Meaning and Usage
The word "核桃" (hétao) refers specifically to the walnut, a common edible nut known for its hard shell and nutritious kernel. It is often used in cooking, baking, and as a healthy snack.
Common Contexts
核桃 is frequently mentioned in contexts related to food, health, and gifts. For example, people talk about adding walnuts to dishes like oatmeal or salads, or highlight their nutritional benefits.
Collocations and Patterns
- 核桃仁 (hétao rén): walnut kernel, the edible part inside the shell.
- 核桃油 (hétao yóu): walnut oil, used in cooking or cosmetics.
- 新鲜核桃 (xīnxiān hétáo): fresh walnuts, often used when buying or gifting.
Usage Notes
核桃 is a noun and typically appears as the subject or object in sentences. It is not used metaphorically or as a verb. When talking about walnuts, specifying 核桃仁 emphasizes the edible part, while 核桃 alone can mean the whole nut including the shell.
Avoid confusing 核桃 with 桃 (peach), which shares the character 桃 but refers to a fruit rather than a nut.