zik1 sik6即食
Jyutpingzik1 sik6
Yalejīk sihk
Definition
Instant; of food requiring little to no preparation, or figuratively describing a shortcut, low-effort lifestyle.
- instant; requiring little to no preparation
- figurativecharacterized by convenience, instant gratification, and a lack of forethought
colloquialfooddaily actions
How it's used
Beyond describing food, this term is frequently used metaphorically to criticize a culture of instant gratification. It suggests a preference for quick, superficial results over deep, thoughtful engagement. When applied to people or work, it carries a dismissive tone implying a lack of substance or long-term commitment.
Examples
These instant foods are very convenient, just add water and you can eat.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe food that is simply 'fast' or 'quick to serve' in a restaurant setting. It specifically refers to pre-packaged items that require minimal effort at home, like canned goods or dehydrated products.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
