suk1 fan2粟粉
Jyutpingsuk1 fan2
Yalesūk fán
Definition
Cornstarch; starch made from maize.
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How it's used
Refers specifically to the fine, white powder derived from corn used for thickening sauces or marinating meat. While often interchangeable with the generic term 生粉 in casual kitchen talk, 粟粉 is the precise label for corn starch. It is essential for achieving the glossy, smooth texture characteristic of many Cantonese stir fry dishes.
Measure word
baau1包bāuExamples
Add a little corn starch to thicken the sauce.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with cornmeal or coarser corn flours, as those will not provide the same thickening properties. In some regions, people use 生粉 as a catch-all term for any starch, so specifying 粟粉 ensures you get the corn-based product.
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.
