辣油
laat⁶ jau⁴
Chili oil in Cantonese is 辣油 (laat⁶ jau⁴). Wiktionary also lists 紅油 / 红油.
Meaning: condiment (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 辣油 | laat⁶ jau⁴ |
| 紅油 / 红油 |
What does it mean word for word?
The term 辣油 is composed of 辣 (spicy) and 油 (oil).
Which one should you use?
辣油 (spicy oil) describes the flavor, whereas 紅油 (red oil) is often used to describe the appearance of the bright red-colored oil used in many dishes.
How do you pronounce it?
laat⁶ jau⁴
Did you know?
- While 辣油 refers to the condiment, Cantonese speakers use the word 辣 (spicy) to describe not only taste but also the stinging sensation of a chemical or a sharp smell.
- While 辣油 is a condiment, it can also function as a 'finishing oil'. In this role, it is poured over a completed dish specifically to create a glossy sheen and seal in aromas.
- Unlike English where 'chili oil' is a generic term, Cantonese speakers may differentiate between oils infused with different aromatics, meaning the 'oil' part of 辣油 can carry a complex profile of star anise and cinnamon.
Examples in context
- 呢間餐廳有最好食嘅辣椒油！This restaurant has the best chili oil!
- 呢碗麵加啲辣油會更好味。ni1 wun2 min6 ga1 di1 lat6 jau4 wui5 gang3 hou2 mei6.This noodle will taste better with some chili oil.
Example conversation
Ka Yan and Zi Jian are eating noodles at a restaurant.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan子健，你有沒有用辣油？zi2 gin6, nei5 jau5 mut6 jau5 jung6 laat6 jau4?Zi Jian, are you using the chili oil?
- 子健 Tsz Kin沒有，你拿去用吧。mut6 jau5, nei5 naa4 heoi3 jung6 baa1.No, you can take it.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan謝謝，我想加一點辣油。ze6 ze6, ngo5 soeng2 gaa1 jat1 dim2 laat6 jau4.Thanks, I want to add a little chili oil.
- 子健 Tsz Kin沒問題，慢慢吃。mut6 man6 tai4, maan6 maan6 zik1.No problem, enjoy your meal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chili oil” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
