ngau5藕
Jyutpingngau5
Yalengáuh
Definition
Short form of lotus root.
neutralfood
How it's used
While 藕 is technically a valid character for lotus root, it is almost exclusively used in compound words or culinary contexts in Hong Kong. In daily speech, people almost always use the full term 蓮藕 to refer to the vegetable itself. Using 藕 on its own can sound slightly literary or like you are reading a menu.
Measure word
gan1斤gānExamples
This plate of sweet and sour lotus root slices is very crunchy.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use 藕 as a standalone noun in casual conversation, but it sounds unnatural compared to 蓮藕. Always default to the two-character version unless you are specifically naming a dish.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
