zoeng3 zap1醬汁酱汁
Jyutpingzoeng3 zap1
Yalejeung jāp
Definition
Sauce; a thick or liquid seasoning.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to thicker, savory condiments used to enhance the flavor of a dish, often served on the side or drizzled over food. While it covers a wide range of culinary liquids, it is distinct from watery seasonings like soy sauce or vinegar, which are usually referred to as 豉油 or 醋. It is frequently used in the context of Western cuisine or stir-fries where a thickened gravy is present.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
This sauce is very tasty.
Do you like to dip with more sauce?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this word for any liquid seasoning, but it is typically reserved for thicker, viscous sauces. If you are talking about thin, salty liquids like soy sauce, use 豉油 instead to sound more natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
