* 带子 (dài zi): This is the most common and general term for scallop in Cantonese. It literally means "带 (dài) - to bring, carry" and "子 (zi) - son, child". This refers to the fact that scallops are often attached to the ocean floor by a "byssal thread".
* 扇贝 (shàn bèi): This is another term for scallop, particularly referring to the larger, more commonly eaten varieties. It literally means "扇 (shàn) - fan" and "贝 (bèi) - shellfish". This refers to the scallop's fan-shaped shell.
* 干贝 (gān bèi): This refers specifically to dried scallops, a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It literally means "干 (gān) - dry" and "贝 (bèi) - shellfish".
So, when you're talking about scallop in Cantonese, you can choose from these terms depending on the context and the specific type of scallop you're discussing.