tong1 jyun2湯丸汤丸
Jyutpingtong1 jyun2
Yaletōng yún
Definition
Glutinous rice balls; a sweet dessert made of sticky rice flour often served in hot water or sweet soup.
colloquialfoodfestival
How it's used
Associated strongly with the Winter Solstice and the Lantern Festival, these symbolize family reunion because the name sounds like the word for reunion. Unlike the savory version found in some other regions, these are almost exclusively served as a sweet dessert in a ginger or rock sugar syrup. They are distinct from 糖不甩, which are served without soup and typically coated in crushed peanuts and sugar.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
You must eat glutinous rice balls on the Winter Solstice.
Related words
Common phrases
peanut-filled glutinous rice balls
Common mistake
Do not confuse these with 魚蛋, which are savory fish balls often sold at street stalls. While both are round, 湯丸 are strictly sweet desserts made from glutinous rice flour.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
