提子
tai4 zi2
The Cantonese word for grapes is 提子 (tai4 zi2).
提子 refers to small, round fruits that grow in bunches on vines.
Which one should you use?
The word 葡萄 is the standard term used in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
tai4 zi2
Did you know?
- In Hong Kong, 提子 often specifically refers to seedless table grapes, while 葡萄 can refer to the larger, seeded varieties.
- Cantonese speakers use 葡萄 when discussing wine, as the word for wine, 葡萄酒, literally means 'grape alcohol'.
- The character 子 in 提子 is a common noun suffix in Cantonese, often used to turn a root word into a specific noun for objects or fruits.
Examples in context
- 我係鍾意食提子，不過咁多就真係食唔落。I like grapes, but I can't eat so many.This sentence shows how to express a preference for 提子 while noting a limit to how many one can eat.Tatoeba #1569780 by nickyeow, translation #34322 by CK
- 呢盒提子好甜。ni1 hap6 tai4 zi2 hou2 tim4.This box of grapes is very sweet.
- 你想食提子定係蘋果？nei5 seong2 sik6 tai4 zi2 ding6 hai6 ping4 gwo2?Do you want to eat grapes or apples?
Example conversation
Ka Yan and Ka Ming are at a fruit stall.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan嘉欣：呢啲提子幾靚喎。Ka Yan: ni1 di1 tai4 zi2 gei2 leng3 wo3.These grapes look quite nice.
- 家明 Ka Ming家明：係，我哋買一盒試下。Ka Ming: hai6, ngo5 dei6 maai2 jat1 hap6 si3 haa5.Yes, let's buy a box to try.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan嘉欣：你要唔要洗乾淨先？Ka Yan: nei5 jiu3 m4 jiu3 sai2 gon3 zing6 sin1?Do you want to wash them first?
- 家明 Ka Ming家明：返屋企先洗啦。Ka Ming: faan1 uk1 kei2 sin1 sai2 laa1.Let's wash them when we get home.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
