紅桑子
hung4 song1 zi2
The English word raspberry is translated into Cantonese as 紅桑子 (hung4 song1 zi2).
紅桑子 refers to the raspberry fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term 覆盆子 is also used for raspberry, particularly in more formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
hung4 song1 zi2
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, the name 紅桑子 literally translates to 'red mulberry'.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, raspberries are not just food but are categorized as a tonic to 'astringe' the body and prevent the leakage of essence.
- Cantonese speakers may use 莓 ('mei') as a suffix for many berries, but 紅桑子 avoids this common pattern in its traditional form.
Examples in context
- 呢啲紅桑子好甜。ni1 di1 hung4 soeng1 zi2 hou2 tim4.These raspberries are very sweet.
- 超市有賣紅桑子嗎？ciu1 si5 jau5 maai6 hung4 soeng1 zi2 maa1?Does the supermarket sell raspberries?
Example conversation
Yating and Kam Ming are at a fruit stall.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting家明，你有冇試過紅桑子？ga1 ming4, nei5 jau5 mou5 si3 gwo3 hung4 sang1 zi2?Kam Ming, have you tried raspberries?
- 家明 Ka Ming未試過，好食唔好食？mei6 si3 gwo3, hou2 sik6 m4 hou2 sik6?I haven't, are they tasty?
- 雅婷 Nga Ting好正，酸酸甜甜。hou2 zing3, syun1 syun1 tim4 tim4.They are great, sweet and sour.
- 家明 Ka Ming咁我買啲紅桑子試吓。gam2 ngo5 maai5 di1 hung4 sang1 zi2 si3 haa5.Then I will buy some raspberries to try.
