點菜單
dim2 coi3 daan1
The English word 'menu' is translated into Cantonese as 點菜單 (dim2 coi3 daan1).
This term refers to a list of dishes offered in a restaurant.
Meaning: list of dishes offered in a restaurant (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term 餐單 (caan1 daan1) is a common alternative for 'menu'.
How do you pronounce it?
dim2 coi3 daan1
Did you know?
- The character 單 (daan1) originally referred to a single piece of bamboo or wood used for record keeping before paper became common in China.
- While 點菜單 is the formal term, many locals simply use 單 (daan1) to refer to both the menu and the final bill, depending on the context of the meal.
- In traditional Cantonese dim sum culture, the 'menu' was often a verbal list provided by the server or a series of steaming baskets brought to the table for the guest to choose from.
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting down at a restaurant.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung家明，你見唔見點菜單喺邊度？ga1 ming4, nei5 gin3 m4 gin3 dim2 coi3 daan1 hai2 bin1 dou6?Ka Ming, do you see where the menu is?
- 家明 Ka Ming應該喺個侍應手入面。jing1 goi1 hai2 go3 si6 jing6 sau2 jap6 min6.It should be in the waiter's hand.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我哋快啲攞點菜單嚟揀嘢食啦。ngo5 dei6 faai3 di1 lo2 dim2 coi3 daan1 lei4 gaan2 je5 sik6 laa1.Let's get the menu quickly to choose something to eat.
- 家明 Ka Ming好，我而家去叫佢。hou2, ngo5 ji4 gaa1 heoi3 giu3 keoi5.Okay, I will call him now.
