char siu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized Culinary / Casual
Quick answer
What does “char siu” mean?
A style of Cantonese barbecue pork, typically seasoned with a sweet and savory glaze.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of Cantonese barbecue pork, typically seasoned with a sweet and savory glaze.
A term for the specific preparation and seasoning method for barbecued pork in Chinese cuisine, as well as the resulting dish. It can also refer to the seasoning paste or sauce used in its preparation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term as a culinary loanword. Spelling variations like 'char sui' may be slightly more common in the US, but 'char siu' is standard.
Connotations
Connotations are identical, linked to Chinese cuisine, barbecue, and specific flavors.
Frequency
Frequency is similar in both varieties, rising with the global popularity of Asian cuisine.
Grammar
How to Use “char siu” in a Sentence
[noun modifier] char siu (e.g., pork char siu)char siu [noun] (e.g., char siu buns)verb + char siu (e.g., roast, glaze, serve)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “char siu” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to char siu the pork shoulder for Sunday's roast.
- Have you ever char siu-ed a joint of meat?
American English
- I'm going to char siu these ribs using my dad's secret recipe.
- The restaurant chars sius their meat in a special oven.
adverb
British English
- The pork was cooked char siu-style.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- The chef prepared the dish char siu-style, with a honey-based glaze.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- The char siu glaze gave the ribs a lovely sticky finish.
- He ordered the char siu pork noodles.
American English
- I love the char siu flavor in those steamed buns.
- We need more char siu sauce for the marinade.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food industry contexts like restaurant supply or menu development.
Academic
Rare, may appear in cultural, historical, or culinary studies papers.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about food, ordering at Chinese restaurants, and cooking.
Technical
Used in professional culinary and food science contexts regarding techniques and ingredients.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “char siu”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “char siu”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “char siu”
- Misspelling: 'char sui', 'cha siu'.
- Mispronunciation: pronouncing the 'r' in 'char' too strongly (it's a long 'ah' sound).
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'three char sius' is non-standard; use 'three portions of char siu').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a specific type of Cantonese barbecue pork, distinguished by its characteristic red color and sweet, sticky glaze made with honey, hoisin sauce, and fermented bean curd, among other seasonings.
In professional culinary and casual cooking contexts, it is sometimes used as a verb meaning 'to prepare or cook in the char siu style' (e.g., 'I'm going to char siu this pork'). This is a functional shift from the noun.
In English, it is commonly approximated as /ˌtʃɑːr ˈsuː/ (US) or /ˌtʃɑː ˈsuː/ (UK). The original Cantonese pronunciation is closer to /tʃʰȁː sīːu/.
Yes, the term is now often used for plant-based dishes that mimic the flavor and texture of traditional char siu pork, using ingredients like seitan, tofu, or mushrooms marinated and glazed with a similar sauce.
A style of Cantonese barbecue pork, typically seasoned with a sweet and savory glaze.
Char siu is usually specialized culinary / casual in register.
Char siu: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɑː ˈsuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɑr ˈsu/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Potential metaphorical use: 'life isn't all char siu and noodles' implying it's not always pleasant/easy.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHAR' the pork on the grill to make 'SIU' (sue) for its delicious taste.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS A CULTURAL ARTIFACT (represents a specific culinary tradition). SWEET/SAVORY IS DESIRABLE (the glaze's flavor profile is highly valued).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic flavor profile of char siu?