Etymology Map
Back to all words

Dim sum

2 stages from Cantonese to English.

Today it means a Chinese meal of small, varied dishes, often served with tea
1
Stage 1 of 2
dim sam
Cantonese · medieval
"touch the heart; small dishes"
literally "touch the heart", small savory dishes served with tea
2
Stage 2 of 2
dim sum
English · 1900s
"small, varied dishes served with tea"
adopted as Cantonese cuisine spread internationally
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom