tiu4 mei6 liu2調味料调味料
Jyutpingtiu4 mei6 liu2
Yaletìuh meih líu
Definition
Seasoning, condiments, and flavorings used to add flavor to food.
neutralfood
How it's used
While this term is perfectly standard, Hong Kongers often refer to specific items like 豉油 or 鹽 rather than using the umbrella term. It is most commonly heard in contexts involving cooking instructions or grocery shopping. Using it in casual conversation can sound slightly formal or clinical compared to just naming the ingredient.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
Do you still have any seasoning at home?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 味道, which refers to the taste itself rather than the substance added to create it. Remember that 調味料 is the noun for the physical product, not the flavor profile.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
