江瑤柱
gong1 jiu4 cyu5
The English phrase "dried scallop" is translated into Cantonese as 江瑤柱 (gong1 jiu4 cyu5).
江瑤柱 refers to a specific type of dried scallop used as a savory ingredient. This term is typically used to denote high-quality dried scallops found in premium Cantonese cuisine, such as when they are used to make abalone sauce or congee.
Which one should you use?
干貝 is a more formal way to say "dried scallop".
How do you pronounce it?
gong1 jiu4 cyu5
Did you know?
- The term 江瑤柱 contains the character 瑤, which means 'precious jade', suggesting that these scallops are viewed more like gemstone treasures than mere seafood.
- While 干貝 is a more formal term, the word 貝 (shell) is a radical used in Chinese characters to denote anything related to wealth or money.
- In Hong Kong markets, the price of 江瑤柱 can fluctuate wildly based on the size and clarity of the scallop, sometimes costing more per gram than high-end saffron.
Examples in context
- 呢粒江瑤柱好大粒。nei1 lap1 gong1 jiu4 cyu1 hou2 daai6 lap6.This dried scallop is very large.
- 江瑤柱嘅味道好鮮甜。gong1 jiu4 cyu1 ge3 mei6 dou6 hou2 sin1 tim1.The flavor of the dried scallop is very fresh and sweet.
Example conversation
Ka Ming and Hiu Tung are preparing ingredients for dinner.
- 家明 Ka Ming曉彤，我哋仲有冇江瑤柱？hiu2 tung4, ngo5 dei6 zung6 jau5 mou5 gong1 jiu2 zyu3?Hiu Tung, do we have any dried scallops left?
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung喺個櫥櫃入面，你搵下。hai2 go3 cuk4 gwai3 jap6 min6, nei5 wan2 haa5.They are in the cupboard, have a look.
- 家明 Ka Ming搵到喇，要用幾多粒江瑤柱？wan2 dou2 laa3, jiu3 jung6 gei2 do1 lapat gong1 jiu2 zyu3?Found them, how many dried scallops should I use?
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung三粒就夠，記得洗乾淨。saam1 lapat zau6 gau3, gei3 dak1 sai2 gon1 zing6.Three are enough, remember to wash them clean.
