Meaning and Usage
The verb 浸泡 (jìn pào) means to immerse or soak something in a liquid for a period of time, often to soften it or extract flavor. It is commonly used in cooking contexts, such as soaking tea leaves, dried mushrooms, or fruits.
Common Collocations
These collocations emphasize the action of soaking ingredients to prepare them for cooking or consumption.
Usage Notes
浸泡 usually implies a longer soaking time compared to 浸 (to dip briefly). It often involves leaving the item in liquid until it changes texture or absorbs flavor. It is a neutral, standard term used in both spoken and written Chinese.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 浸泡 with 泡 (pào) alone, which can mean to bubble or to soak but is less formal. 浸泡 specifically highlights the immersion process. Also, 浸泡 is different from 浸湿 (to get wet) which focuses on moisture rather than soaking for preparation.