ngaa4 coi3芽菜
Jyutpingngaa4 coi3
Yalengàh choi
Definition
Bean sprouts, typically referring to those of mung beans or soybeans.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to the edible sprouts of legumes, most commonly mung bean sprouts. Unlike many other vegetables, these are almost always stir-fried quickly to maintain their signature crunch. They are a staple in local noodle dishes and are frequently paired with yellow chives.
Measure word
zaa6拃jahExamples
You must add yellow chives when stir-frying bean sprouts for them to taste good.
How much bean sprouts did you buy to bring home?
Related words
Common phrases
stir-fried bean sprouts
bean sprouts with the ends removed
Common mistake
Avoid using the Mandarin term 豆芽, as it sounds unnatural in a Hong Kong context. Stick to 芽菜 to ensure you sound like a local when ordering at a restaurant or shopping at a market.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
