seoi2 gwaa1水瓜
Jyutpingseoi2 gwaa1
Yaleséui gwā
Definition
Sponge gourd; luffa.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to the vegetable known as luffa or sponge gourd, which is commonly used in Cantonese home cooking. It is frequently paired with ingredients like dried shrimp or clams in soups to create a sweet, refreshing flavor. Unlike some other gourds, it has a soft, spongy texture when cooked that absorbs the flavors of the broth.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
This sponge gourd is very fresh, buy it to make soup.
Do you know how to prepare sponge gourd so it tastes good?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 絲瓜, which is the more common name for the same vegetable in many other Chinese-speaking regions. While they are the same thing, 水瓜 is the specific term preferred in many Hong Kong wet markets.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
