sam1 syu4參薯参薯
Jyutpingsam1 syu4
Yalesām syùh
Definition
Ube; a purple yam often used as a food ingredient and natural coloring.
neutralfood
How it's used
Often associated with vibrant purple desserts, this tuber is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine and has become very popular in Hong Kong cafes. While it shares a botanical genus with 淮山, the two are used in completely different culinary contexts, with 參薯 being treated as a sweet ingredient rather than a medicinal or savory one.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This dessert is made with a lot of purple yam.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 芋頭, as they are entirely different plants. 芋頭 has a greyish, starchy texture and is commonly used in savory dim sum dishes like 芋頭糕, whereas 參薯 is distinctly purple and primarily used for its color and sweetness in desserts.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
