tin4 gai1田雞田鸡
Jyutpingtin4 gai1
Yaletìhn gāi
Definition
An edible Chinese bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus); also used generally in southern China to refer to any frog.
colloquialfoodanimals
How it's used
Refers specifically to the edible frog species commonly sold in wet markets for culinary purposes. While standard Mandarin uses 青蛙 for frogs in general, Cantonese speakers often use this term to distinguish the edible variety from the common garden frog. It is frequently associated with Cantonese congee or stir-fry dishes.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Let's go to the market tonight to buy a frog to make congee.
Related words
Common phrases
frog congee
stir-fried frog with ginger and scallions
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the term 雞, as it is a specific type of amphibian and not poultry. Even though it contains the character for chicken, it is strictly classified as frog meat in a culinary context.
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.
