Meaning and Usage
The word '汤' (tāng) primarily means 'soup' or 'broth' in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to liquids made by boiling ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or herbs in water. It is a common and essential part of Chinese cuisine.
Common Collocations
- 鸡汤 (jītāng): chicken soup, often used for nourishment or comfort.
- 酸辣汤 (suānlà tāng): hot and sour soup, a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants.
- 喝汤 (hē tāng): to drink soup, a common phrase emphasizing consuming the liquid part of a meal.
Usage Notes
'Tāng' is used both as a noun for the food itself and in phrases describing the act of drinking soup. It is distinct from '水' (water) because it implies a cooked, flavored liquid. When used in cooking or dining contexts, it often appears with specific types of soup or broth.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse '汤' with '糖' (táng), which means sugar. Although they sound similar, their meanings and characters are different. Also, '汤' as a surname is rare compared to its culinary use.
Register and Tone
'Tāng' is a neutral, everyday word used in both formal and informal contexts related to food and cooking.