syu4 jyu6薯蕷薯蓣
Jyutpingsyu4 jyu6
Yalesyùh yuh
Definition
Yam; plant species of the genus Dioscorea, including Chinese yam and purple yam.
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How it's used
While 薯蕷 is the formal botanical term for the genus, it is rarely used in daily life. Most people in Hong Kong will refer to specific varieties like 淮山 when cooking soup or 香芋 when referring to purple yam. Using this term in a market setting will likely confuse the vendor.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
It is hard to find fresh specimens of these yams.
How many catties of yams did you buy to take home?
Related words
Common phrases
Dioscoreaceae family
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 蕃薯, which refers to the sweet potato. Although they share the character 薯, they belong to entirely different plant families.
Grammar color guide
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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.
