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Volume 2
Vol 2.2 🥟 点心 | Diǎn xin
🥟

点心

Diǎn 3
xin 5

Dim Sum

Lit. 'Touch the Heart'
点心 - Dim Sum

Stroke Order

Stroke animation coming soon

Tone Guide

Diǎn
xin
5 High 3 Mid 1 Low

Note: Tone 3 shown as full dip (214). Before other syllables, it's often pronounced as a half-tone (21).

Cultural Context

点心 (diǎn xin), literally 'touch the heart', refers to the small, bite-sized dishes served at teahouses, a tradition known as 'yum cha' (饮茶). In Hong Kong, it's more than just a meal; it's a social ritual, especially for families on weekends. Unlike a typical Western brunch, dim sum involves sharing numerous small plates from rolling carts or a checklist menu. For learners, this is a great opportunity to practice food vocabulary. You can simply point and say "这个" (zhè ge - this one). Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint—order a few items at a time and enjoy the leisurely pace and conversation.

Example Sentences

1

你想吃什么点心

Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme diǎn xin?

What dim sum do you want to eat?

2

这里的点心很好吃!

Zhè lǐ de diǎn xin hěn hǎo chī!

The dim sum here is delicious!

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