蒸
zing¹
The English word 'steamed' is 蒸 (zing¹) in Cantonese. Wiktionary also lists 清蒸.
Meaning: having been cooked by exposure to steam (adj)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 蒸 | zing¹ |
| 清蒸 |
The word 蒸 can function as both a verb meaning 'to steam' and an adjective meaning 'steamed' depending on the sentence structure.
Which one should you use?
While 蒸 means to steam, 清蒸 specifically refers to a cooking style where food is steamed simply, often with minimal seasoning to preserve its natural flavor.
How do you pronounce it?
zing¹
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, the phrase 蒸蒸日上 uses the word 蒸 to describe a situation that is rising or improving rapidly, like the steam from a pot.
- In Cantonese culture, 清蒸 fish is the quintessential dish for Lunar New Year because the word for 'surplus' sounds like the word for 'fish', and steaming is seen as the most respectful way to present the fish whole.
- In Cantonese, the character 蒸 also appears in the word for 'steam engine', a term that bridges the gap between culinary steaming and industrial-era technology.
Examples in context
- 啲小籠包啱啱蒸好，仲好熱㗎，小心俾啲汁辣親呀！These soup dumplings are freshly steamed and still piping hot. Don't burn your mouth on the broth inside!This sentence shows how to use 蒸 to describe freshly steamed soup dumplings.Tatoeba #3499635 by nickyeow, translation #3499637 by nickyeow
- 今晚我想蒸魚食晚餐。Tonight, I want to steam fish for dinner.
- 呢個菜要蒸到軟熟先食得。This dish needs to be steamed until it's tender before eating.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我想食蒸魚，健康啲。ngo5 soeng2 sik6 zing1 jyu2, gin6 hong1 di1.I want to eat steamed fish, it's healthier.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit好呀，不如試下嗰間新餐廳。hou2 aa3, bat1 jyu4 si3 haa6 go2 gaan1 san1 caan1 ting1.Sure, why don't we try that new restaurant.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung佢哋有冇蒸蛋呀？keoi5 dei6 jau5 mou5 zing1 daan2 aa3?Do they have steamed eggs?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit應該有，我哋快啲去啦。jing1 goi1 jau5, ngo5 dei6 faai3 di1 heoi3 laa1.They should, let's go quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steamed” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
