zi2 tin1 ziu1指天椒
Jyutpingzi2 tin1 ziu1
Yalejí tīn jīu
Definition
Facing heaven pepper; a highly spicy variety of chili pepper with cone-shaped pods that point upward.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to the small, upright-growing chili often used in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking. It is frequently used in Cantonese cuisine to add a sharp, intense heat to stir-fries or dipping sauces. Unlike milder varieties, it is rarely eaten whole unless one is very accustomed to high spice levels.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
This dish has a lot of bird's eye chilies in it, it's spicy enough to breathe fire.
Related words
Common phrases
bird's eye chili sauce
super spicy bird's eye chili
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with generic 辣椒, but it is significantly hotter than most common chili varieties found in local markets. Using too much in a dish can easily overpower other flavors.
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.
