Meaning and Usage
The character 辣 (là) primarily describes a spicy or hot taste, commonly used when talking about food. It conveys a strong, pungent flavor that causes a burning sensation. Beyond taste, 辣 can also describe something intense or sharp in a figurative sense, such as a spicy plot or a harsh comment.
Common Collocations
- 辣椒 (làjiāo): chili pepper, the most common source of spiciness.
- 很辣 (hěn là): very spicy, a frequent phrase when describing food.
- 辣味 (làwèi): spicy flavor, used in culinary contexts.
Usage Notes
When using 辣 to describe food, it often appears before 食物 (food) or 菜 (dish). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something emotionally or visually intense. Avoid confusing 辣 with 辣手 (harsh or ruthless), which uses 辣 in a figurative sense but is a fixed expression.
Register and Tone
辣 is neutral and widely used in everyday conversation about food and sensations. It is informal but appropriate in most contexts.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 辣 with 辣 (old variant 辢), which is rarely used today. Focus on 辣 for all modern uses related to spiciness and intensity.