sou3 faa3 zai1塑化劑塑化剂
Jyutpingsou3 faa3 zai1
Yalesou fa jāi
Definition
Plasticizer; a chemical additive used to increase the flexibility of materials like plastics or cement.
neutralhealthfood
How it's used
This term gained significant public awareness in Hong Kong following major food safety scandals where plasticizers were illegally added to food products as a clouding agent. It is almost exclusively used in formal news reports or health warnings rather than casual conversation. When discussing it in daily life, people often focus on the health risks associated with plastic containers or food packaging.
Examples
Are there plasticizers in these plastic bottles?
The government said this drink was tested and found to contain plasticizers.
Related words
Common phrases
to detect plasticizers
plasticizer levels exceeding the limit
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general plastic waste or synthetic materials. Remember that it specifically refers to the chemical additive used to soften materials, not the plastic object itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
