生菜 in 30 Sekunden
- 生菜 (shēngcài) is the standard Mandarin term for lettuce, a versatile leafy green vegetable essential for daily shopping and dining in Chinese-speaking regions.
- The word literally translates to 'raw vegetable,' reflecting its common use in uncooked dishes like salads, though it is often blanched in Chinese cuisine.
- Culturally, it is a symbol of wealth in Southern China due to its homophonic similarity to the phrase 'generating money' (生财 - shēngcái).
- Grammatically, it uses the measure word '棵' (kē) for a head and is frequently paired with verbs like '洗' (wash) and '切' (cut).
The term 生菜 (shēngcài) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, primarily referring to lettuce. However, its linguistic roots offer a deeper insight into Chinese culinary philosophy. The word is composed of two characters: 生 (shēng), meaning 'raw', 'living', or 'unripe', and 菜 (cài), meaning 'vegetable' or 'dish'. Historically, this name designated vegetables that could be consumed without cooking, a practice that was traditionally less common in Chinese cuisine compared to the Western preference for salads. In modern contexts, when you walk into a supermarket in Beijing, Shanghai, or even a local wet market, 生菜 specifically identifies the leafy green plant known scientifically as Lactuca sativa.
- Culinary Identity
- While Westerners typically associate lettuce with cold salads, in China, 生菜 is versatile. It is frequently used as a wrap for grilled meats (like in Korean-style BBQ which is very popular in China), briefly blanched in hot pot (火锅), or quickly stir-fried with garlic to maintain its crunch while removing the 'raw' edge. This adaptability makes it a staple in both household kitchens and high-end restaurants.
- Cultural Symbolism
- In Cantonese-speaking regions, 生菜 is more than just food; it is a symbol of prosperity. The pronunciation in Cantonese, 'sang choi', is a homophone for 生财 (shēngcái), which means 'to make money' or 'generating wealth'. Consequently, you will often see lettuce featured prominently during Chinese New Year feasts and lion dance performances, where the lion 'plucks' the lettuce (采青) to bring good fortune to a business.
老板，请给我一斤生菜。(Lǎobǎn, qǐng gěi wǒ yī jīn shēngcài.) — Boss, please give me half a kilogram of lettuce.
Understanding the usage of 生菜 also involves recognizing its varieties. In China, you will encounter 玻璃生菜 (bōli shēngcài), which is the crisp, translucent iceberg or romaine variety, and 散叶生菜 (sànyè shēngcài), the loose-leaf variety. Each has a specific place in the kitchen. For a learner, mastering this word is an entry point into discussing diet, health, and shopping. Because it is an A2 level word, it appears early in vocabulary lists, yet its cultural weight ensures it remains relevant even as one progresses to more advanced fluency.
这种生菜洗干净后可以直接吃。(Zhè zhǒng shēngcài xǐ gānjìng hòu kěyǐ zhíjiē chī.) — This kind of lettuce can be eaten directly after washing.
In summary, 生菜 is an essential noun for navigating daily life in a Chinese-speaking environment. Whether you are browsing a menu, shopping for groceries, or participating in a traditional festival, this word connects you to both the practicalities of nutrition and the richness of Chinese linguistic puns. Its simplicity in structure (two common characters) belies its vast utility in conversation.
Using 生菜 (shēngcài) correctly in a sentence requires a basic understanding of Chinese measure words and common verb pairings. As a noun, it typically functions as the object of a sentence, such as what you are eating, buying, or preparing. The most common measure word for a single head of lettuce is 棵 (kē). If you are referring to a batch or a portion, you might use 些 (xiē) or 份 (fèn).
- Common Verbs with 生菜
- 洗 (xǐ) - To wash: 洗生菜 is the first step in preparation.
- 切 (qiè) - To cut: 切生菜 for a salad or sandwich.
- 炒 (chǎo) - To stir-fry: 蚝油生菜 (Lettuce with oyster sauce) is a classic dish.
- 吃 (chī) - To eat: 我喜欢吃生菜.
When constructing more complex sentences, 生菜 often appears in the context of dietary preferences or cooking instructions. For example, if you are at a BBQ restaurant, you might ask for more lettuce to wrap your meat. The structure would be: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Measure Word] + 生菜. For instance, '我买了两棵生菜' (I bought two heads of lettuce).
把生菜切成丝，然后拌在沙拉里。(Bǎ shēngcài qiē chéng sī, ránhòu bàn zài shālā lǐ.) — Shred the lettuce, then mix it into the salad.
In a comparative context, you might use 生菜 to discuss health. '生菜比白菜更脆' (Lettuce is crunchier than cabbage). Here, the word acts as a point of comparison for texture and taste. In restaurant settings, you will often see it as part of a dish name. One of the most famous is 蚝油生菜 (háoyóu shēngcài), which is lettuce blanched and drizzled with a savory oyster sauce. This dish is a great example of how the 'raw' vegetable is transformed into a cooked delicacy.
这家餐厅的生菜非常新鲜。(Zhè jiā cāntīng de shēngcài fēicháng xīnxiān.) — The lettuce at this restaurant is very fresh.
Finally, consider the use of 生菜 in negative sentences. If you are allergic or simply dislike it, you would say '我不爱吃生菜' (I don't like eating lettuce) or '沙拉里别放生菜' (Don't put lettuce in the salad). These patterns are essential for any A2 learner to master basic survival and social interaction in Chinese.
The word 生菜 (shēngcài) is ubiquitous in daily life, echoing through various environments from the chaotic energy of a morning market to the sterile environment of a modern supermarket. If you are living in China, the first place you will likely hear this word is at the 菜市场 (càishìchǎng - wet market). Vendors will shout out their prices, often grouping 生菜 with other leafy greens. You might hear: '生菜两块钱一斤！' (Lettuce, two yuan per half-kilo!).
- In the Kitchen and Dining Room
- In a domestic setting, parents often encourage children to eat their greens: '多吃点生菜，对身体好' (Eat more lettuce, it's good for your health). In restaurants, especially 火锅店 (huǒguōdiàn - hot pot restaurants), servers will confirm your order: '您点的一份生菜齐了' (The portion of lettuce you ordered is all here). It is one of the most frequently ordered side dishes because its light flavor balances the heavy spice of the hot pot broth.
服务员，我们可以再要一盘生菜吗？(Fúwùyuán, wǒmen kěyǐ zài yào yī pán shēngcài ma?) — Waiter, can we have another plate of lettuce?
In Western-style cafes and sandwich shops like 赛百味 (Sàibǎiwèi - Subway), you will hear the staff ask which vegetables you want. They will point to the bins and ask, '要生菜吗？' (Do you want lettuce?). Similarly, in the workplace, colleagues discussing lunch options might mention a '生菜沙拉' (lettuce salad) as a healthy choice. As health consciousness rises in urban China, the word 生菜 is increasingly associated with '轻食' (qīngshí - light meals/diet food).
过年吃生菜寓意着“生财”。(Guònián chī shēngcài yùyìzhe 'shēngcái'.) — Eating lettuce during the New Year symbolizes 'making money'.
Lastly, in educational settings, 生菜 is a standard vocabulary word in early Chinese lessons. Teachers use it to teach the 'raw' vs. 'cooked' distinction and to introduce the radical for grass (艹), which appears at the top of the character 菜. Whether through a loudspeaker at a grocery store or in a quiet conversation about dinner plans, 生菜 is a word that anchors you to the practical reality of Chinese life.
For English speakers learning Chinese, the word 生菜 (shēngcài) presents a few pitfalls, mostly related to its broad literal meaning versus its specific modern usage. The most common error is literal over-translation. Since 生 (shēng) means 'raw' and 菜 (cài) means 'vegetable', beginners often mistakenly think 生菜 can refer to *any* raw vegetable, such as a raw carrot or raw broccoli. This is incorrect. In modern Mandarin, 生菜 refers specifically to lettuce.
- Confusion with Other Cabbages
- Another frequent mistake is confusing 生菜 with other leafy greens that look similar but have different names. For example, 白菜 (báicài) is Napa cabbage, and 卷心菜 (juǎnxīncài) is the round, tight-headed green cabbage. English speakers often use 'cabbage' and 'lettuce' interchangeably in casual conversation, but in Chinese cooking, these are distinct categories with different preparation methods. You wouldn't usually eat 卷心菜 raw in a wrap, whereas that is the primary use for 生菜.
错误：我想吃生菜（指生的胡萝卜）。(Wrong: I want to eat 'raw vegetable' — meaning raw carrots.)
A third area of confusion involves measure words. English uses 'a head of lettuce' or 'some lettuce'. Learners often default to the generic measure word 个 (gè). While '一个生菜' is understandable, it sounds slightly unpolished. The correct measure word for a plant with a stem is 棵 (kē). Using the wrong measure word is a hallmark of an A1/A2 level learner, so mastering 一棵生菜 will immediately make your Chinese sound more natural.
正确：这棵生菜多少钱？(Correct: How much is this head of lettuce?)
Lastly, be careful with the pronunciation of the first tone in shēng and the fourth tone in cài. If you mispronounce cài as a first tone, it might sound like you are saying 'raw guess' (生猜), which makes no sense in a culinary context. Clear tones are the key to being understood in any Chinese market!
In the world of Chinese greens, 生菜 (shēngcài) has several close relatives and alternatives that learners should be able to distinguish. Depending on the dish you are making, you might choose one over the other. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate a Chinese menu like a pro.
- 生菜 vs. 油麦菜 (Yóumàicài)
- These two are often confused. 油麦菜 is a type of leaf lettuce (Indian lettuce) that is long, thin, and has a slightly more bitter, nutty flavor than standard 生菜. While 生菜 is often eaten raw, 油麦菜 is almost exclusively stir-fried with garlic. If you want something for a salad, stick with 生菜.
- 生菜 vs. 卷心菜 (Juǎnxīncài)
- 卷心菜 (Cabbage) is much tougher and denser. In English, we might use both in a 'slaw', but in Chinese, 生菜 is the go-to for light, crisp textures, while 卷心菜 is used for hearty braises or fermented dishes.
- 生菜 vs. 罗马生菜 (Luómǎ shēngcài)
- This is specifically Romaine lettuce. While it falls under the category of 生菜, using the full name specifies the variety often used in Caesar salads. If you just say 生菜 in China, people usually think of the loose-leaf or round 'butter' lettuce varieties.
与其买生菜，不如买点油麦菜炒着吃。(Instead of buying lettuce, why not buy some Indian lettuce to stir-fry?)
Other alternatives include 苦菊 (kǔjú - endive/chicory), which is often served in the same 'raw' cold dishes as lettuce but has a much more bitter profile. There is also 冰草 (bīngcǎo - ice plant), a trendy vegetable in modern Chinese dining that has a natural salty crunch and is often served as a substitute for lettuce in high-end salads.
When you want to emphasize the freshness of any of these, you can add the adjective 新鲜的 (xīnxiān de). For example, '新鲜的生菜' (fresh lettuce). Knowing these distinctions not only improves your vocabulary but also your ability to enjoy the vast diversity of Chinese vegetable-based cuisine.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'shēng' as 'shēn' (missing the 'g').
- Misplacing the tone on 'cài' (making it 1st or 2nd tone).
- Applying English stress patterns to the two syllables.
- Failing to aspirate the 'c' in 'cài'.
- Confusing the 'sh' in 'shēng' with a plain 's'.
Beispiele nach Niveau
我买生菜。
I buy lettuce.
Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.
生菜很绿。
The lettuce is very green.
Noun + Adverb (很) + Adjective.
我不吃生菜。
I don't eat lettuce.
Negative particle '不' before the verb.
这是生菜吗？
Is this lettuce?
Question formed with the particle '吗'.
他喜欢生菜。
He likes lettuce.
Standard SVO sentence.
生菜多少钱？
How much is the lettuce?
Question word '多少钱' (how much money).
我要一个汉堡，不要生菜。
I want a burger, no lettuce.
Using '不要' to specify an exclusion.
生菜在桌子上。
The lettuce is on the table.
Locative structure with '在...上'.
这棵生菜非常新鲜。
This head of lettuce is very fresh.
Use of measure word '棵' for plants.
请给我两棵生菜。
Please give me two heads of lettuce.
Polite request with '请' and quantity + measure word.
我喜欢在沙拉里放生菜。
I like to put lettuce in the salad.
Prepositional phrase '在...里' (in).
生菜洗干净了吗？
Is the lettuce washed clean?
Resultative complement '干净' (clean) after the verb '洗'.
你可以把生菜切一下吗？
Can you cut the lettuce a bit?
Verb + '一下' to indicate a brief action.
超市里的生菜卖完了。
The lettuce in the supermarket is sold out.
Resultative complement '完了' (finished/gone).
这种生菜比那种贵。
This kind of lettuce is more expensive than that kind.
Comparison structure 'A 比 B + Adj'.
吃生菜对身体有好处。
Eating lettuce is good for the body.
Structure '对...有好处' (be good for...).
为了减肥，我午餐只吃生菜沙拉。
In order to lose weight, I only eat lettuce salad for lunch.
Conjunction '为了' (in order to).
这种生菜的口感特别脆。
The texture of this lettuce is particularly crunchy.
Noun '口感' (mouthfeel/texture).
先把生菜烫一下，然后再拌酱油。
First blanch the lettuce, then mix with soy sauce.
Sequence markers '先...然后...'.
生菜虽然便宜，但是营养很丰富。
Although lettuce is cheap, it is very nutritious.
Conjunction '虽然...但是...' (although... but...).
在烧烤店，我们常用生菜包肉吃。
In BBQ restaurants, we often use lettuce to wrap meat.
Adverb '常用' (often use).
如果生菜不新鲜，就不要买了。
If the lettuce isn't fresh, then don't buy it.
Conditional '如果...就...'.
他把生菜种在了自家的小花园里。
He planted the lettuce in his own small garden.
Disposal '把' construction with resultative '在'.
这种紫色的生菜在市场上很少见。
This kind of purple lettuce is rare in the market.
Adjective '少见' (rare/seldom seen).
蚝油生菜是粤菜中一道非常经典的家常菜。
Lettuce with oyster sauce is a very classic home-cooked dish in Cantonese cuisine.
Attribute '一道' used for dishes.
由于天气原因，今年生菜的产量大幅下降。
Due to weather reasons, the production of lettuce fell significantly this year.
Formal cause '由于' and result '大幅下降'.
生菜中含有大量的水分和膳食纤维。
Lettuce contains a large amount of water and dietary fiber.
Verb '含有' (contain).
在广东，生菜因为谐音“生财”而深受喜爱。
In Guangdong, lettuce is deeply loved because it is homophonous with 'making money'.
Structure '因为...而...' (because... therefore...).
这种有机生菜没有使用任何农药，可以放心食用。
This organic lettuce doesn't use any pesticides; you can eat it with peace of mind.
Negative '没有' and potential '可以'.
生菜的种类繁多，包括球生菜、罗曼生菜等。
There are many types of lettuce, including iceberg, Romaine, etc.
Formal expression '种类繁多' (many types).
为了保持生菜的爽脆感，不要烹饪太长时间。
To maintain the crispness of the lettuce, do not cook it for too long.
Noun '爽脆感' (crisp feeling).
生菜不仅可以生吃，还可以用来煮汤。
Lettuce can not only be eaten raw but also used to make soup.
Correlative '不仅...还...' (not only... but also...).
随着健康饮食观念的普及，生菜在城市消费者的餐桌上占据了重要地位。
With the popularization of healthy eating concepts, lettuce has occupied an important position on the tables of urban consumers.
Complex sentence with '随着' (along with).
在“采青”仪式中，生菜通常被悬挂在高处，由舞狮者去摘取。
In the 'Cai Qing' ceremony, lettuce is usually hung high up to be plucked by the lion dancers.
Passive '被' construction.
生菜的保鲜技术是现代农业物流中的一个关键环节。
The preservation technology of lettuce is a key link in modern agricultural logistics.
Abstract noun '关键环节' (key link).
尽管生菜在西方饮食中很普遍，但它进入中国市场的历史也颇为悠久。
Although lettuce is common in Western diets, its history of entering the Chinese market is also quite long.
Concessive '尽管...但...'.
生菜的口感细腻，与浓郁的调味汁搭配在一起相得益彰。
The texture of lettuce is delicate, and it complements rich sauces perfectly.
Idiom '相得益彰' (complement each other).
由于生菜叶片娇嫩，在运输过程中极易受损。
Since lettuce leaves are delicate, they are very easily damaged during transportation.
Adverb '极易' (extremely easy to).
生菜的这种变种是为了适应干旱气候而专门培育的。
This variant of lettuce was specially cultivated to adapt to arid climates.
Purpose structure '是为了...而...'.
通过对生菜基因的研究，科学家们试图提高其抗病性。
Through research on lettuce genes, scientists are trying to improve its disease resistance.
Preposition '通过' (through/by).
生菜在《本草纲目》中亦有记载，被认为具有清热利尿之功效。
Lettuce is also recorded in the 'Compendium of Materia Medica', believed to have the effects of clearing heat and promoting urination.
Formal literary style with '亦' and '之'.
生菜价格的波动往往能折射出蔬菜市场的供需失衡现状。
Fluctuations in lettuce prices often reflect the current state of supply and demand imbalance in the vegetable market.
Metaphorical use of '折射' (reflect/refract).
这种高科技水培生菜，彻底摆脱了土壤污染对食品安全的影响。
This high-tech hydroponic lettuce completely eliminates the impact of soil pollution on food safety.
Strong verb '摆脱' (get rid of/break away from).
生菜那近乎透明的质感，在光影下呈现出一种独特的工业美感。
The almost transparent texture of the lettuce presents a unique industrial aesthetic under light and shadow.
Abstract noun '工业美感' (industrial aesthetic).
在快速城市化的进程中，城郊生菜种植基地的缩减引发了人们的关注。
In the process of rapid urbanization, the reduction of suburban lettuce cultivation bases has sparked public concern.
Nominalization of the subject.
生菜对环境温度的极高敏感度使其成为了监测气候变化的生物指标之一。
The extremely high sensitivity of lettuce to environmental temperature has made it one of the biological indicators for monitoring climate change.
Complex noun phrase as subject.
这种生菜的苦味素含量极低，是经过数代人工选育后的结果。
The extremely low content of sesquiterpene lactones (bitter compounds) in this lettuce is the result of generations of artificial selection.
Technical terminology '苦味素' and '人工选育'.
生菜在餐盘上的点缀作用，往往能起到画龙点睛的效果。
The decorative role of lettuce on a plate often serves as the crowning touch.
Idiom '画龙点睛' (the finishing touch).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Lettuce salad. A dish primarily made of raw lettuce leaves.
她午饭只吃了一份生菜沙拉。
— Lettuce with oyster sauce. A popular blanched vegetable dish.
这家的蚝油生菜做得很有名。
— Lettuce wrap. Using lettuce leaves to wrap fillings like meat or rice.
这种肉末适合做成生菜包。
— Wash the lettuce clean. A common instruction in recipes.
首先，你需要洗净生菜。
— Lettuce seeds. Used for planting the vegetable.
他在网上买了一些生菜种子。
— Lettuce cultivation base. Large scale farming locations.
这里是全省最大的生菜基地。
— Lettuce juice. A healthy drink made from juicing lettuce.
有些人认为生菜汁可以排毒。
— Lettuce heart. The tender inner leaves of a head of lettuce.
生菜心是最甜的部分。
— Stir-fried lettuce. Lettuce cooked quickly in a pan with oil.
清炒生菜要大火快炒。
— Lettuce stem. The crunchy white part of the leaf.
有些人不喜欢吃生菜梗。
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Literally 'plucking the greens'. A ritual in lion dances where the lion 'eats' a bunch of lettuce to bring luck.
舞狮队正在进行采青仪式。
Cultural/Traditional— To have a proper way of making money. While not using the word 'lettuce', '生菜' is used as a pun for this phrase.
他经营公司多年，可谓生财有道。
Formal— To make money. This is the homophone that gives lettuce its lucky status.
祝你新年快乐，恭喜生财！
Common— Vividly green and dripping (with moisture). Often used to describe very fresh lettuce.
这里的生菜青翠欲滴，非常诱人。
Literary— Ordinary home-cooked meal. Lettuce with oyster sauce is considered this.
对他来说，加班已经是家常便饭了。
Common— Simple food. Often implies a meal consisting of simple greens like lettuce.
虽然是粗茶淡饭，但一家人吃得很开心。
Humble— The finishing touch. A leaf of lettuce can be this for food presentation.
这片生菜在盘子里起到了画龙点睛的作用。
Idiomatic— Abundant meat and fish. Often contrasted with eating '生菜' for health.
过年期间不能总是大鱼大肉，要多吃蔬菜。
Common— Full of vitality. Can describe a growing lettuce field.
春天到了，菜园里生机勃勃。
Literary— Good quality and cheap. Often used to describe lettuce in the market.
这种生菜物美价廉，大家都在买。
CommonSummary
生菜 (shēngcài) is the Chinese word for 'lettuce'. It is a versatile A2-level noun used in contexts ranging from grocery shopping to festive celebrations. Example: '我要买一棵新鲜的生菜' (I want to buy a head of fresh lettuce).
- 生菜 (shēngcài) is the standard Mandarin term for lettuce, a versatile leafy green vegetable essential for daily shopping and dining in Chinese-speaking regions.
- The word literally translates to 'raw vegetable,' reflecting its common use in uncooked dishes like salads, though it is often blanched in Chinese cuisine.
- Culturally, it is a symbol of wealth in Southern China due to its homophonic similarity to the phrase 'generating money' (生财 - shēngcái).
- Grammatically, it uses the measure word '棵' (kē) for a head and is frequently paired with verbs like '洗' (wash) and '切' (cut).
Beispiel
我喜欢在沙拉里放生菜。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr food Wörter
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一袋
B1A bag of.
少一点儿
A2Ein bisschen weniger; etwas weniger. Wird verwendet, um eine geringere Menge oder einen geringeren Grad zu erbitten. (Beispiel: Ich möchte weniger Zucker in meinem Kaffee.)
多一点儿
A2Ein bisschen mehr. Wird verwendet, um nach einer kleinen zusätzlichen Menge zu fragen oder um Dinge zu vergleichen.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
一瓶
B1Eine Flasche von.
一碗
B1Eine Schüssel voll...
一盒
B1Eine Schachtel von. Zum Beispiel eine Schachtel Pralinen.
一杯
B1Eine Tasse / Ein Glas. 'Ich möchte eine Tasse Tee.'
