pou5 mut6 sou3 liu2泡沫塑料

Jyutpingpou5 mut6 sou3 liu2

Yalepóuh muht sou líu

Definition

Foamed plastic; styrofoam.

neutralother

How it's used

While technically correct, this term is quite formal and scientific for everyday speech. Most Hong Kongers simply use the loanword 泡膠 to refer to styrofoam in casual settings. Using the full term might sound like you are reading from a product label or a news report.

Examples

ni1呢go3個faan6飯hap2盒hai6係pou5泡mut6沫sou3塑liu2料zing2整㗎。

This lunchbox is made of styrofoam.

nei5你wan2搵di1啲pou5泡mut6沫sou3塑liu2料baau1包zyu6住go3個bui1杯mei6未aa4呀？

Have you wrapped the cup with styrofoam yet?

Common phrases

pou5泡mut6沫sou3塑liu2料faan6飯hap2盒

styrofoam lunchbox

pou5泡mut6沫sou3塑liu2料baau1包zong1裝

styrofoam packaging

Common mistake

Learners often use the full term in casual conversation where it sounds overly stiff. It is much more natural to use 泡膠 when talking about packing materials or disposable containers.