杏仁
hang6 jan4
The English word "almond" is 杏仁 (hang6 jan4) in Cantonese.
杏仁 is used to refer to the actual almond nut and is also commonly used in culinary contexts to describe the flavor or essence of almond.
Meaning: nut (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 杏 (hang6), meaning apricot and 仁 (jan4), meaning kernel or nut.
How do you pronounce it?
hang6 jan4
Did you know?
- The second character in 杏仁, 仁, means 'kernel' but is also a fundamental concept in philosophy meaning 'humanity' or 'benevolence'.
- Certain Cantonese medicinal teas use 杏仁 specifically for its perceived ability to soothe coughs, treating the 'almond' as a pharmacy item rather than a snack.
- The term 杏仁 is used for both the true almond and the seed of the apricot, as both are prized for their similar nutty flavor in traditional Cantonese sweets.
Examples in context
- 呢個杏仁好香。ni1 go3 hang6 jan6 hou2 hoeng1.This almond is very fragrant.
Example conversation
Ka Yan and Chun Kit are snacking together at home.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan俊傑，你想唔想試下呢啲杏仁？zeon3 git3, nei5 soeng2 m4 soeng2 si3 haa5 nei1 di1 hang6 jan4?Chun Kit, do you want to try these almonds?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit好呀，係焗過嘅定係原味嘅？hou2 aa3, hai6 guk1 gwo3 ge3 ding6 hai6 jyun4 mei6 ge3?Sure, are they roasted or plain?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan係原味杏仁，好健康㗎。hai6 jyun4 mei6 hang6 jan4, hou2 gin6 hong1 gaa3.They are plain almonds, they're very healthy.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit多謝你，嘉欣。do1 ze6 nei5, gaa1 han1.Thank you, Ka Yan.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
