zam1砧
Jyutpingzam1
Yalejām
Definition
Chopping board, cutting board, or anvil.
- chopping board; cutting board
- anvil; hammering block
colloquialfoodhome
How it's used
Refers primarily to a chopping board in a kitchen context, often specifically the heavy, thick wooden blocks used by butchers or traditional Chinese chefs. While the character historically denotes an anvil, it is almost exclusively used in modern Cantonese to describe the surface upon which food is prepared.
Measure word
faai3塊faiExamples
This chopping board is very heavy, can you help me move it away?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 砧板, which is the more common full term for a kitchen chopping board. Using just 砧 on its own can sound slightly formal or specific to a professional kitchen setting depending on the context.
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.
