果仁
gwo2 jan4
The Cantonese word for nut is 果仁 (gwo2 jan4).
In Cantonese, 果仁 is used to describe a hard-shelled fruit.
Meaning: hard-shelled fruit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 果 (fruit) and 仁 (kernel/inner part).
Which one should you use?
While 果仁 refers to the edible kernel or nut itself, it is often used in a culinary context to distinguish the edible part from the hard outer shell.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Guangdong and Hong Kong, 松子 is used for pine nuts.
How do you pronounce it?
gwo2 jan4
Did you know?
- The second character in 果仁, 仁, can also refer to a person's 'benevolence' or 'kindness' in a Confucian sense. This creates a linguistic link between a literal kernel and a virtuous human character.
- While 果仁 is the general term, peanuts are almost always called 花生 (literally 'flower birth'), bypassing the word for nut entirely.
- During Lunar New Year, serving a platter of 果仁 and dried fruits is a symbolic wish for prosperity and fertility.
Examples in context
- 杏仁Almonds
- 花生Peanuts
- 腰果Cashews
- 呢種果仁好食。nei1 zung2 gwo2 jan4 hou2 sik6.This kind of nut is delicious.
- 我唔鍾意食果仁。ngo5 m4 zung1 ji3 sik6 gwo2 jan4.I don't like eating nuts.
- 呢盒果仁好貴。nei1 hap6 gwo2 jan4 hou2 gwai3.This box of nuts is very expensive.
Example conversation
At a snack shop.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting家明，你想食邊種果仁？kaa1 ming4, nei5 soeng2 sik6 bin1 zung2 gwo2 jan4?Ka Ming, which kind of nut do you want to eat?
- 家明 Ka Ming我想試下呢種果仁。ngo5 soeng2 si3 haa5 nei1 zung2 gwo2 jan4.I want to try this kind of nut.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting呢款果仁好受歡迎。nei1 fun1 gwo2 jan4 hou2 sau6 fyun4 jyun4.This kind of nut is very popular.
- 家明 Ka Ming好呀，我買一盒。hou2 aa3, ngo5 maai5 jat1 hap6.Great, I'll buy one box.
