Dim sum, a delightful assortment of bite-sized Chinese dishes, has gained popularity all over the world. If you’re interested in learning how to say “dim sum” in Cantonese, the native language of Hong Kong and many overseas Chinese communities, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll help you navigate through the formal and informal ways to express this term, while also touching upon any regional variations that may exist. From useful tips to practical examples, let’s dive into the world of Cantonese dim sum vocabulary!
Table of Contents
Formal Expression
In formal contexts, such as when speaking to elders or during formal events, it’s appropriate to use the term “dim sum” directly in Cantonese. Here’s the phrase:
Dim sum
As you can see, the formal expression for “dim sum” in Cantonese is phonetically similar to the English term. However, it’s important to note that the pronunciation slightly differs due to the tone system in Cantonese.
Informal Expressions
In casual conversations or when mingling with friends, it’s common to use more colloquial expressions to refer to dim sum. Here are a few informal terms you can use:
- Yum cha: This term is commonly used in Cantonese-speaking regions to refer to both drinking tea and enjoying dim sum. It literally translates to “drink tea” and reflects the traditional practice of enjoying dim sum with tea. So if you want to say “Let’s have dim sum!” casually in Cantonese, you can say:
Jau maai yum cha!
In this phrase, “jau maai” means “let’s have” and “yum cha” refers to enjoying dim sum while drinking tea.
- Siu mei: While not exclusive to dim sum, this term is often used when referring to specific types of roasted or barbecued meats that are commonly found in dim sum restaurants. So if you want to ask for dim sum or dishes with roasted meats specifically, you can use:
Ng goi siu mei
Here, “ng goi” means “please give me” and “siu mei” indicates the roasted or barbecued meats.
Regional Variations
Cantonese, being spoken in various regions, may have some slight variations in the way people refer to dim sum. Let’s explore a couple of those regional differences:
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the epicenter of Cantonese cuisine, you can use the formal expression mentioned earlier. However, you may also come across the following variation:
Dim sum fan
The addition of “fan” at the end of “dim sum” is a colloquial way to say “eating” or “meal” in Cantonese. So “dim sum fan” explicitly emphasizes that you’re referring to the meal aspect of dim sum.
Guangdong Province
In Guangdong Province, the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, you might encounter an alternative term:
Yum dot
“Yum dot” is another way to say “yum cha” in Cantonese. Since “yum cha” encompasses the concept of enjoying tea and dim sum together, using “yum dot” reflects the prominence of tea-drinking in this region.
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the various ways to say “dim sum” in Cantonese, let’s explore some tips and examples to help you further:
- When ordering or discussing specific dim sum dishes, you can combine the informal expressions mentioned above with the names of the dishes themselves. For example, you can say “Ng goi siu mei – siu yuk” to ask for roasted pork specifically.
- When trying to catch someone’s attention in a bustling dim sum restaurant, you can address the servers by saying “fu yin” (waiter) or “fu yum” (waitress), followed by your request. For instance, “Fu yin, jau maai yum cha!” means “Waiter, let’s have dim sum!”
- Remember to practice the tones when saying these phrases, as the meaning can change depending on the tone used for each syllable. Listen to native speakers or use language learning resources to master the correct pronunciation.
By now, you have a solid understanding of how to say “dim sum” in Cantonese. Whether you’re in a formal setting or enjoying a casual yum cha session with friends, you’re all set to order and converse confidently. So go ahead, explore the captivating world of Cantonese dim sum, and immerse yourself in the exquisite flavors and traditions it brings!
