雞腎
gai1 san5
The Cantonese word for gizzard is 雞腎 (gai1 san5).
In a culinary context, 雞腎 is used to refer to the gizzard, which is the portion of the esophagus containing ingested grit.
Meaning: portion of the esophagus with ingested grit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the term translates to 'chicken kidney'.
How do you pronounce it?
gai1 san5
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may be confused by the literal meaning, as the term refers to the gizzard rather than the actual kidney of the chicken.
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese medicine concepts integrated into Cantonese, the 'kidney' 腎 is linked to the 'essence' of life and reproductive health, regardless of the organ's physical location.
- The word 腎 (kidney) is used for the gizzard because both organs share a similar firm and rubbery texture when cooked.
- Cantonese culinary terms often prioritize the shape or texture of an ingredient over its biological name, a practice seen in other offal dishes as well.
Examples in context
- 我鍾意食炸雞肚I like to eat fried gizzards.
Example conversation
Eating at a dim sum restaurant.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting俊傑，你想唔想叫碟雞腎？zeon3 git3, nei5 soeng2 m4 soeng2 giu3 dip3 gai1 san6?Chun Kit, do you want to order a plate of gizzards?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit好呀，我好鍾意食雞腎。hou2 aa3, ngo5 hou2 zung1 ji3 sik6 gai1 san6.Sure, I really like eating gizzards.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting呢間舖頭嘅雞腎好出名。ni1 gaan1 pou3 tau4 ge3 gai1 san6 hou2 ceot1 ming4.The gizzards at this shop are very famous.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit咁我哋快啲叫啦！gam2 ngo5 dei6 faai3 di1 giu3 laa1!Then let's order them quickly!
