saan1 kwai4山葵
Jyutpingsaan1 kwai4
Yalesāan kwàih
Definition
Wasabi; a plant in the Brassicaceae family used as a pungent condiment in Japanese cuisine.
neutralfooddim sum
How it's used
Most people in Hong Kong use the Japanese loanword 哇沙米 or simply refer to it as 芥辣 when ordering at restaurants. While 山葵 is the accurate botanical name, you will rarely hear it used in casual conversation at a sushi bar. It is specifically associated with the sinus clearing sensation, which is distinct from the tongue burning heat of chili peppers.
Measure word
fan2份fánExamples
Remember to add a little wasabi when you eat sushi.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 芥末, which in many contexts refers to Western yellow mustard. Using 芥辣 is the most common way to refer to the green paste served with sushi, even though it technically covers both wasabi and hot mustard.
Grammar color guide
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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.
