zyu2 sik6主食
Jyutpingzyu2 sik6
Yalejyú sihk
Definition
Staple food; the main dietary source of starch, such as rice, noodles, potatoes, or corn.
neutralfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to the core carbohydrate source of a meal, such as rice or noodles. While it is a standard term in nutritional contexts, it is also used in casual conversation when discussing dietary habits or restaurant menus. It is distinct from side dishes or snacks, focusing on the item that provides the main energy intake.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
What do you usually eat as your staple food?
All the staple foods here are rice.
Related words
Common phrases
staple food category
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a general term for any food, but it is restricted to the primary starch component of a meal. Do not use it to describe snacks or side dishes like vegetables or meat.
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.
