seoi2 dau6 fu6水豆腐
Jyutpingseoi2 dau6 fu6
Yaleséui dauh fuh
Definition
Soft tofu; the most common variety of tofu, which is white, soft, and bland.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to the standard, soft white tofu found in every supermarket and wet market. While standard Mandarin speakers might just say 豆腐, Cantonese speakers often add 水 to emphasize the soft, watery texture compared to firmer varieties like 硬豆腐 or 豆乾. It is the default choice for home-style dishes like steamed tofu with soy sauce.
Measure word
zyun1磚jyūnExamples
Go to the market and buy two blocks of soft tofu to cook.
Do you like eating soft tofu?
Related words
Common phrases
steamed soft tofu
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 豆花 or 豆腐花, which are sweet, silken desserts served in syrup. Using 水豆腐 to describe the dessert will confuse people as it implies a savory ingredient.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
