zaam3蘸
Jyutpingzaam3
Yalejaam
Definition
To dip in liquid, sauce, or powder.
colloquialfooddaily actions
How it's used
While 蘸 is the formal character for dipping, native speakers in casual settings almost exclusively use 點. Using 蘸 in speech can sound slightly formal or literary, similar to using a more precise verb in English. It is most commonly seen in written recipes or formal food descriptions.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 蘸 with 點. While 點 is the universal, everyday word for dipping, 蘸 specifically implies the action of coating something in a liquid or powder, whereas 點 can also mean to touch or to order food.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
