nam4腍
Jyutpingnam4
Yalenàhm
Definition
Soft or tender in texture; easily yielding to pressure or changing shape.
colloquialfooddescriptions
How it's used
Primarily used to describe food that has been cooked until it is easy to chew or break apart. It implies a pleasant, yielding texture rather than something that is simply mushy or overcooked. Beyond food, it can occasionally describe materials that have become pliable or soft through wear or processing.
Examples
This piece of meat is cooked until very tender, even the elderly can chew it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 淋, which is often used in writing for the same sound but technically refers to being drenched or soaked. Stick to 腍 when specifically describing the texture of food.
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.
