tung1通
Jyutpingtung1
Yaletūng
Definition
Macaroni; also used generally to refer to hollow, tube-like objects.
- macaroni
- hollow, tube-like objects
colloquialfood
How it's used
This is a shortened, casual way to refer to macaroni in Hong Kong tea restaurants. It is almost exclusively used in the context of breakfast menus where you choose a base like macaroni, instant noodles, or rice vermicelli. You will rarely hear it used to describe the pasta shape in a culinary or non-restaurant context.
Measure word
wun2碗wúnExamples
Do you want to have macaroni or noodles for breakfast?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to general pasta shapes or tubes, as it is strictly limited to the specific type of macaroni served in local cafes. If you want to refer to other types of pasta, use the full term 通心粉 or the specific name of the pasta.
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.
