maa5 ling4 syu4馬鈴薯马铃薯
Jyutpingmaa5 ling4 syu4
Yalemáh lìhng syùh
Definition
Potato; a round starchy tuber of the nightshade family used as a staple food.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Most Cantonese speakers exclusively use 薯仔 in daily life instead of the formal 馬鈴薯. Using the latter sounds like reading from a textbook or a scientific report, which can feel quite unnatural in a kitchen or market setting. It is essentially the standard term for the vegetable in all casual contexts.
Measure word
go3個goRelated words
Common phrases
potato beef stew
french fries
mashed potatoes
Common mistake
Avoid using 馬鈴薯 in casual conversation as it sounds overly formal or like a direct translation from written Chinese. Stick to 薯仔 to sound like a local.
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.
