dim sum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Semi-formal to informal
Quick answer
What does “dim sum” mean?
A style of Chinese cuisine, particularly Cantonese, featuring small individual portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of Chinese cuisine, particularly Cantonese, featuring small individual portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.
The meal or social event during which these small dishes are consumed, often involving tea. It can metaphorically refer to a variety of small, diverse items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identically used and understood, with no significant spelling or definition variations.
Connotations
Connotes authentic Chinese/Cantonese cuisine. Slightly more common in metropolitan areas with established Chinese communities in both regions.
Frequency
Similar frequency in relevant contexts (restaurants, food writing). Slightly higher familiarity in the UK due to longer history of Cantonese immigration.
Grammar
How to Use “dim sum” in a Sentence
[Verb] dim sum (e.g., eat, order, serve)[Adjective] dim sum (e.g., authentic, delicious, steamed)dim sum [Prepositional Phrase] (e.g., dim sum with tea, dim sum on Sunday)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dim sum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We dim-summed our way through the weekend.
- They love to dim sum on a lazy afternoon.
American English
- We're going to dim sum this Sunday.
- They dim summed at the new place in Chinatown.
adjective
British English
- It was a proper dim-sum experience.
- They offer a dim-sum style buffet.
American English
- She's a dim-sum enthusiast.
- We tried the dim-sum platter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/tourism sectors (e.g., 'The hotel offers a dim sum brunch package').
Academic
Rare, found in cultural, culinary, or anthropological studies.
Everyday
Common in social planning and dining discussions (e.g., 'Let's meet for dim sum on Saturday').
Technical
Used in culinary and hospitality contexts to describe a specific cuisine style.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dim sum”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dim sum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dim sum”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'three dim sums' is incorrect; use 'three dim sum dishes').
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (it is not typically capitalised).
- Confusing it with 'sushi' or other Asian small-plate cuisines.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically used as a singular, uncountable noun referring to the cuisine or meal experience as a whole. You would say 'The dim sum is delicious,' not 'are delicious.'
'Yum cha' (drink tea) refers to the activity of drinking tea and eating dim sum. 'Dim sum' refers specifically to the food itself. They are often used interchangeably to mean the meal.
While common, it is not strictly necessary. Many dim sum items, like buns and dumplings, can be picked up with your hands or with provided serving utensils.
Traditionally, it is a brunch or lunch meal, but many modern restaurants serve it all day and even into the evening.
A style of Chinese cuisine, particularly Cantonese, featuring small individual portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.
Dim sum is usually semi-formal to informal in register.
Dim sum: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪm ˈsʌm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪm ˈsʌm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A dim sum of ideas (a collection of small, varied ideas).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SUM of DIMinutive, delicious dishes – that's DIM SUM.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VARIETY IS AN ASSORTMENT OF SMALL PARTS (e.g., 'The report was a dim sum of statistics').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'dim sum'?