zaap6 seoi3雜碎杂碎
Jyutpingzaap6 seoi3
Yalejaahp seui
Definition
Chop suey; an American-style Chinese dish made with miscellaneous meats and vegetables.
neutralfood
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used to refer to the specific North American Chinese dish rather than a general category of mixed scraps. It carries a strong association with the immigrant experience and historical Chinese restaurants in the West. Most local Hong Kongers recognize the name primarily through pop culture or travel rather than as a staple of the local diet.
Measure word
dip2碟dípExamples
He often eats chop suey when he is abroad.
Related words
Common phrases
stir-fried chop suey
Li Hongzhang chop suey
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a messy pile of random objects or leftover food, as it does not function as a general term for 'miscellaneous scraps' in Cantonese. Using it that way would be confusing or sound like a direct translation error.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
