What is the English translation for "bột sắn dây"?
The most accurate English translation for "bột sắn dây" is arrowroot powder. However, it's important to note some nuances:
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"Bột sắn dây" specifically refers to powder made from the tubers of the Amorphophallus konjac plant, a type of yam commonly grown in Southeast Asia. While this yam is sometimes called "konjac yam", it's not the same as the arrowroot used in many Western recipes.
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Arrowroot powder in English can refer to starch extracted from various plants in the Marantaceae family. While both arrowroot powder (from Maranta arundinacea) and "bột sắn dây" (from Amorphophallus konjac) are used similarly as thickening agents and in desserts, they are botanically distinct. To avoid confusion, it might be helpful to specify the source plant if you need precise botanical accuracy.
Therefore, while arrowroot powder is a generally acceptable translation, you may also consider using more descriptive terms depending on the context:
- Konjac powder: This is a more precise term reflecting the botanical origin of the plant.
- Chinese arrowroot powder: This term clarifies the geographic origin and distinguishes it from other types of arrowroot.
- Yam powder (from Amorphophallus konjac): This provides the most botanical precision, but may not be widely understood.
The best choice depends on your audience and the level of detail required. For general use, arrowroot powder will suffice, but for culinary or scientific contexts, using a more specific term like konjac powder will ensure greater accuracy.
