扇貝
sin3 bui3
The English word 'scallop' is translated into Cantonese as 扇貝 (sin3 bui3).
The term refers to a mollusc of the order Pectinoidea.
Meaning: mollusc of the order Pectinoidea (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 扇貝 is composed of 扇 (fan) and 貝 (shell), literally meaning 'fan-shaped shell'.
Which one should you use?
The formal word for scallop is 干貝 (gon1 bui1). The term 干貝 (gon1 bui1) encompasses both dried and fresh scallops.
How do you pronounce it?
sin3 bui3
Did you know?
- While 扇貝 is the biological name, the term 瑤柱 (jiu4 zu6) literally means 'jade pillar' and is used exclusively for high-grade dried scallops in gourmet cooking.
- In Cantonese culture, scallops are often associated with the concept of 'abundance'. Because of their rounded shape and perceived value, they are frequently served during celebratory feasts to symbolize wealth and prosperity.
- In high-end Cantonese cuisine, the 'dried scallop' 干貝 is so expensive that it is often stored in specialized containers and measured out by weight, similar to how saffron is handled in other cultures.
Examples in context
- 請把瑤柱切碎，然後加入清湯中一同煮。Please chop the scallops into small pieces and add them to the clear broth for cooking together.
- 呢啲扇貝好新鮮。ni1 di1 sin3 baai3 hou2 san1 sin1.These scallops are very fresh.
- 我想食炒扇貝。ngo5 soeng2 sik6 caau2 sin3 baai3.I want to eat stir-fried scallops.
- 呢個扇貝好大。ni1 go3 sin3 baai3 hou2 daai6.This scallop is very big.
Example conversation
Yating and Zhiqiang are looking at a menu in a seafood restaurant.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting志強，你想點啲咩食？zi3 koeng4, nei5 soeng2 dim2 di1 me1 sik1?Zhiqiang, what would you like to order to eat?
- 志強 Chi Keung我想試下呢度嘅扇貝。ngo5 soeng2 si3 haa5 ni1 dou6 ge3 sin3 bai3.I want to try the scallops here.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting好啊，我哋叫一份啦。hou2 aa3, ngo5 dei6 giu3 jat1 fan6 laa1.Okay, let's order one portion.
- 志強 Chi Keung唔該，我要一份扇貝。m4 goi1, ngo5 jiu3 jat1 fan6 sin3 bai3.Excuse me, I want one order of scallops.
