zam3 paau3浸泡
Jyutpingzam3 paau3
Yalejam paau
Definition
To soak, steep, or infuse an object in water for a period of time.
neutralfooddaily actions
How it's used
While 浸泡 is understood in Cantonese, speakers often prefer the simpler verb 浸 for everyday actions like soaking clothes or steeping tea. Using the two character form adds a slightly more formal or technical tone, often appearing in cooking instructions or product labels. It is most commonly used when referring to a deliberate process of extraction or softening over time.
Examples
The tea leaves have been steeping for a long time, the taste is very strong.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 浸泡 in casual speech where 浸 is more natural. Additionally, avoid using it for the act of taking a bath, which is simply 浸浴 or 沖涼.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
