luk6 dau2綠豆绿豆
Jyutpingluk6 dau2
Yaleluhk dáu
Definition
Mung bean.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Beyond its culinary uses, the term is frequently used in the idiom 綠豆芝麻小事 to describe trivial or insignificant matters. It carries a sense of being small and common, much like the beans themselves. When referring to the sprouted version, Cantonese speakers specifically use the term 芽菜 instead of calling them mung bean sprouts.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
Drinking a bowl of mung bean soup in summer is really refreshing.
How much mung bean did you buy to bring home?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 綠豆眼, which is a derogatory way to describe someone having very small, beady eyes. Using the word in that context has nothing to do with the food item.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
