If you’re a food lover visiting or living in Shanghai, it’s essential to know how to express your appreciation for delicious meals in the local dialect. Shanghainese, a variety of Wu Chinese, is the native language spoken by residents of Shanghai and its surrounding areas. This guide will help you learn how to say “delicious” in Shanghainese, covering both formal and informal ways. While there are slight regional variations, we will focus on the most widely used expressions in Shanghai. Let’s dive in and uncover the flavorful world of Shanghainese language!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Delicious” in Shanghainese
Formal expressions are used in polite or formal settings, such as interacting with elderly people, in restaurants, or when speaking to someone of higher social status. Here are two commonly used phrases to say “delicious” formally in Shanghainese:
1. 正好食 (zin ho zhi)
This phrase in Shanghainese literally translates to “perfectly delicious” in English. It is a polite way to express your appreciation for a tasty dish. You can use this expression when talking to the chef or restaurant staff to show your respect for their culinary skills. For instance, if you want to compliment a chef on their cooking, you can say:
正好食，你做个梅干菜炖肉真厉害！ (Zin ho zhi, ni ze ge mei gan cai dun rou zhen li hai!)
This means, “The dish is delicious, you are really skilled in making braised pork with preserved vegetables!”
2. 拍满掌 (bak mun jong)
The phrase “拍满掌” can be used when you want to express very high praise for an exceptionally delicious meal. It is an emphatic expression that literally means “clap your hands.” This phrase is better suited for more formal occasions, such as elegant dining events or when you want to express gratitude to the host for an outstanding feast. For example:
拍满掌！这顿晚宴太美味了！ (Bak mun jong! Zhe dun wan yan tai mei wei le!)
This translates to “Clap your hands! This banquet is incredibly delicious!”
Informal Expressions for “Delicious” in Shanghainese
Informal expressions are suitable for casual conversations among friends, family members, or younger individuals. Shanghainese, being a more relaxed dialect, offers several colloquial ways to convey the idea of “delicious.” Here are a few commonly used informal expressions:
1. 美死哋 (mei sei dei)
This expression is widely used in Shanghainese to express utmost delight and satisfaction when eating something delicious. “美死哋” translates literally to “so delicious it could kill” in English. It exaggerates the taste experience in a fun and informal way. For example:
呢个月饼美死哋！ (Ni ge yue bing mei sei dei!)
Here, we are saying “These mooncakes are so delicious they could kill!”
2. 赞到爆 (zan dou bao)
This phrase is a popular informal expression in Shanghainese to describe food that is incredibly impressive and satisfying. “赞到爆” means “praise until it bursts” in English. It is often used to express a strong approval of the taste. For instance:
味道太好了，赞到爆！ (Wei dao tai hao le, zan dou bao!)
This translates to “The flavor is amazing, praise until it bursts!”
Regional Variations
While Shanghainese is the primary dialect spoken in Shanghai, there can be slight variations in other regions of the Wu Chinese-speaking area. Here, we will explore some regional variations of how to say “delicious” in Shanghainese:
1. Suzhou Variant: 干到爆 (gon dou bao)
In the nearby city of Suzhou, a variant of Shanghainese called Suzhounese is spoken. In this dialect, the phrase used to convey “delicious” is “干到爆,” which has a similar meaning to “赞到爆” in Shanghainese. For example:
川菜真好吃！干到爆！ (Chuan cai zhen hao chi! Gon dou bao!)
Here, we are saying “Sichuan cuisine is really tasty! Praise until it bursts!”
2. Ningbo Variant: 受精佳 (sau zin ga)
Ningbo is another city near Shanghai with its own variant of Wu Chinese called Ningbonese. In Ningbonese, “受精佳” is a commonly used expression to mean “delicious.” For instance:
这个汤圆受精佳！ (Zhe ge tang yuan sau zin ga!)
This means “These tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) are delicious!”
Tips and Examples
Learning to express the idea of “delicious” in a local language can enhance your dining experience and help you connect with the local culture. Here are a few tips and additional examples to improve your understanding of saying “delicious” in Shanghainese:
1. Practice Pronunciation:
To pronounce Shanghainese words accurately, pay attention to the tones and sounds unique to this dialect. Regular practice with native speakers or language exchange partners can significantly improve your pronunciation skills.
2. Add Adjectives:
Pair the expressions for “delicious” with descriptive adjectives to emphasize the taste experience. For example:
太正好食（tai zin ho zhi) – So perfectly delicious
超级拍满掌 (chao ji bak mun jong) – Extremely clappable delicious
3. Show Gratitude:
Remember to express your gratitude and appreciation to the chef or host after enjoying a delicious meal. Here’s an example:
多谢你煮嘅鸭蓉红焖瓢！太正好食！(Duo xie ni zyu ge a yong hung mun piu! Tai zin ho zhi!)
This means “Thank you for cooking the braised duck with gourd, it’s so perfectly delicious!”
4. Explore Local Cuisine:
While learning how to say “delicious” in Shanghainese is essential, don’t forget to explore the local cuisine to experience the flavors firsthand. Engage with locals and ask their recommendations for the best dishes to try in Shanghai.
By using these expressions and embracing the local dialect, you can delight in the diverse and delectable offerings of Shanghainese cuisine. Enjoy your culinary adventures in Shanghai!
