餃子
gaau2 zi2
The Cantonese word for dumplings is 餃子 (gaau2 zi2).
The term 餃子 specifically refers to boiled, steamed or pan-fried dumplings with a dough skin and filling, typically associated with Northern Chinese cuisine.
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of 餃 (gaau2), meaning dumpling and 子 (zi2), a common noun suffix.
How do you pronounce it?
gaau2 zi2
Did you know?
- In Cantonese culture, 餃子 are traditionally shaped like ancient silver ingots. Eating them during the Lunar New Year is believed to bring wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
- While 餃子 describes the Northern style, Cantonese speakers often use 點心 (dim sum) to describe a wider variety of dumplings, including those with translucent starch skins.
- In Cantonese, the concept of 'wrapping' a dumpling is expressed with the verb 包 (baau1), which is the same word used for a 'bun' or a 'bag'.
Examples in context
- 我想食餃子。ngo5 soeng2 sik6 gaau2 zi2.I want to eat dumplings.
- 呢啲餃子好味。ni1 di1 gaau2 zi2 hou2 mei6.These dumplings are delicious.
- 媽媽整咗啲餃子。maa1 maa1 zing2 zo2 di1 gaau2 zi2.Mom made some dumplings.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Meiling are deciding what to have for dinner.
- 志強 Chi Keung美玲，今晚食餃子好唔好？mei5 ling4, gam1 maan5 sik6 gaau2 zi2 hou2 m4 hou2?Meiling, how about having dumplings tonight?
- 美玲 Mei Ling好啊，我想食餃子。hou2 aa1, ngo5 soeng2 sik6 gaau2 zi2.Sure, I want to eat dumplings.
- 志強 Chi Keung我哋而家去買餃子啦。ngo5 dei6 ji4 gaa1 heoi3 maai5 gaau2 zi2 laa1.Let's go buy the dumplings now.
- 美玲 Mei Ling好，我陪你一齊去。hou2, ngo5 pui4 nei5 jat1 cai4 heoi3.Okay, I will go with you.
