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A2 noun #2,500 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

甜点

tiándiǎn
At the A1 level, you just need to know that 甜点 (tiándiǎn) means 'dessert'. You can use it in simple sentences like '我喜欢甜点' (I like dessert) or '我要甜点' (I want dessert). It is a basic noun that helps you express your preferences for food. You might learn it alongside other food words like '米饭' (rice) or '面条' (noodles). Focus on the pronunciation: 'tián' (second tone, rising) and 'diǎn' (third tone, falling-rising). You can use the measure word '个' (gè) for a single dessert item at this stage.
At the A2 level, you should be able to use 甜点 in more descriptive sentences. You can talk about what kind of dessert you like, such as '巧克力甜点' (chocolate dessert). You can use it in a restaurant setting to order: '请问，有什么甜点？' (Excuse me, what desserts do you have?). You also start to distinguish it from '甜食' (sweet food) and understand that 甜点 is usually a specific dish or pastry. You might use adjectives like '好吃的' (delicious) or '甜的' (sweet) to describe it.
At the B1 level, you can discuss 甜点 in the context of habits and social situations. You might explain that '我不常吃甜点，因为我在减肥' (I don't often eat dessert because I'm losing weight). You can use more specific measure words like '一份' (yī fèn) for a portion. You also begin to understand the cultural aspect, such as how '下午茶' (afternoon tea) often involves various '精美的甜点' (exquisite desserts). You can compare different types of desserts using '比' (bǐ) structures.
At the B2 level, you can use 甜点 to discuss more complex topics like health, cooking, or restaurant reviews. You might talk about the '制作过程' (production process) of a 甜点 or how the '口感' (mouthfeel/texture) is '丰富' (rich). You can use the word in abstract ways or in idiomatic expressions related to sweetness. You understand the nuance between '甜点' and '糕点' (pastries) and can discuss the influence of Western 甜点 on modern Chinese eating habits. You can describe flavors with precision, such as '甜而不腻' (sweet but not cloying).
At the C1 level, 甜点 is a word you use fluently in discussions about culinary arts, food science, or cultural history. You might analyze the '甜点文化' (dessert culture) of different regions or the '审美价值' (aesthetic value) of modern pastry design. You can use it in formal writing, such as a food critique, discussing the '层次感' (layering) and '风味' (flavor profile) of a signature 甜点. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and its relationship to traditional Chinese '中式点心'.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term 甜点 and its surrounding vocabulary. You can engage in deep philosophical or socio-economic discussions regarding the '甜点产业' (dessert industry) or the psychological reasons behind '甜点消费' (dessert consumption). You can use the term in high-level literature or academic papers, perhaps comparing the '解构主义' (deconstructionism) in modern 甜点 presentation to traditional culinary forms. You understand every subtle connotation and can use the word with perfect register and tone in any context.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

甜点 en 30 secondes

  • 甜点 (tiándiǎn) is the standard Chinese word for dessert, combining the characters for 'sweet' and 'snack'. It is used in both casual and formal dining contexts.
  • While it can refer to traditional Chinese sweets, it is very frequently used today to describe Western-style pastries like cakes, tarts, and mousses found in modern bakeries.
  • The most common measure word for a serving of dessert is '份' (fèn), and it is typically eaten after a main meal or during afternoon tea sessions.
  • Culturally, Chinese desserts are often praised for being 'not too sweet' (不太甜), focusing on texture and the natural flavors of ingredients like red bean or taro.

The term 甜点 (tiándiǎn) is a compound noun in Mandarin Chinese that specifically refers to 'dessert' or 'sweet snacks' typically served at the end of a meal or as a treat between meals. Etymologically, it is composed of two characters: 甜 (tián), meaning 'sweet', and 点 (diǎn), which in this context is short for 点心 (diǎnxīn), meaning 'refreshments' or 'snacks'. Together, they literally translate to 'sweet snack'. In modern Chinese society, 甜点 encompasses everything from traditional Chinese sweets like red bean soup and mooncakes to Western-style pastries like soufflés and cheesecakes.

Linguistic Root
Derived from the combination of flavor (sweet) and category (snack/refreshment).
Semantic Range
Covers post-meal sweets, afternoon tea pastries, and sugary street food snacks.
Cultural Weight
While traditional Chinese meals often end with fruit, the rise of 'dessert culture' (甜点文化) is a significant modern trend.

“我最喜欢的甜点是巧克力蛋糕。” (My favorite dessert is chocolate cake.)

— Common everyday usage in a restaurant setting.

In the culinary landscape of China, the concept of 甜点 has evolved. Historically, Chinese desserts were often steamed or boiled (like tangyuan), but the word now heavily implies the 'pastry' aspect found in bakeries. When you walk into a high-end mall in Shanghai or Beijing, the 甜点 section will likely feature intricate French-style patisserie alongside modernized versions of traditional osmanthus cakes. The word carries a connotation of indulgence and reward.

“这家餐厅的甜点很有名。” (This restaurant's desserts are very famous.)

Grammatical Function
Acts as a standard noun; can be modified by adjectives like '精美的' (exquisite) or '甜腻的' (cloyingly sweet).
Regional Variations
In Southern China and Hong Kong, you might hear '糖水' (tángshuǐ) for liquid-based sweet soups, but '甜点' remains the universal formal term.

“晚饭后，我们去吃点甜点吧。” (After dinner, let's go eat some dessert.)

Using 甜点 correctly involves understanding its role as a countable or uncountable noun depending on the context, though in Chinese, measure words do the heavy lifting. The most common measure word for a single serving of dessert is 份 (fèn) or 个 (gè) for individual items like cupcakes or cookies.

  • Ordering in a Restaurant: Use '一份甜点' (one serving of dessert). Example: '我要一份甜点。'
  • Describing Variety: Use '各种各样的甜点' (all kinds of desserts).
  • As a Subject: '甜点已经上桌了。' (The dessert has already been served.)

The verb most frequently paired with 甜点 is 吃 (chī - to eat), but in more formal or culinary contexts, you might use 品尝 (pǐncháng - to taste/savor) or 制作 (zhìzuò - to make/produce). If you are talking about the dessert course specifically in a multi-course meal, you refer to it as the '甜点环节' or simply '最后一道菜是甜点'.

“这些甜点看起来非常诱人。” (These desserts look very tempting.)

In social media contexts (like Little Red Book/Xiaohongshu), 甜点 is often associated with 'afternoon tea' (下午茶). Users will post photos of '精致的甜点' (exquisite desserts) to show a lifestyle of leisure. When describing the taste, you can use '甜而不腻' (sweet but not greasy/cloying), which is the gold standard for high-quality 甜点 in Chinese culture.

You will encounter 甜点 in several distinct environments, each with its own vibe. In a Western-style restaurant, the waiter will almost certainly ask, '您需要点甜点吗？' (Would you like to order some dessert?) at the end of the meal. In a bakery (面包店), the signage might distinguish between '面包' (bread) and '甜点' (pastries/desserts).

On TV cooking shows, chefs use the term when discussing the 'pastry arts' (甜点艺术). You'll hear technical terms like '烘焙' (hòngbèi - baking) used in conjunction with 甜点. In casual conversation, friends might say, '我知道一家甜点店很不错' (I know a dessert shop that's quite good) when planning a hangout.

“服务员，请给我看一下甜点单。” (Waiter, please show me the dessert menu.)

In office settings, during a birthday celebration or a tea break, someone might bring in '甜点外卖' (dessert delivery). It's a social lubricant. In supermarkets, the refrigerated section containing puddings, jellies, and cakes is often labeled '甜点区'. Interestingly, in traditional Chinese weddings, while the term '甜点' is used, the focus might be on specific symbolic items like '莲子红豆沙' (lotus seed and red bean soup), which are functionally desserts but carry deep cultural meanings of fertility and sweetness in marriage.

One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing 甜点 with 点心. While they share a character, 点心 (diǎnxīn) is a broader category that includes savory items like dumplings and buns (think Dim Sum). If you are specifically talking about a sweet cake, use 甜点. If you use 点心, people might expect something savory.

Another mistake is the use of measure words. Learners often use '一个' (yī gè) for everything. While '一个甜点' is acceptable for a single cupcake, if you are referring to a served portion on a plate in a restaurant, 一份 (yī fèn) is much more natural. '一份' implies a 'portion' or 'order'.

❌ “我要吃一个甜点。” (Sounds like you want one specific small item.)
✅ “我要点一份甜点。” (Correct way to order a dessert course.)

Additionally, don't confuse 甜点 with 糖果 (tángguǒ). 糖果 specifically refers to hard candies, gummies, or chocolates in wrappers. You wouldn't call a piece of candy a '甜点' in a restaurant context. Finally, watch out for the adjective '甜的' (tián de). You don't say '我喜欢吃甜' (I like to eat sweet); you must say '我喜欢吃甜食' (I like to eat sweet food) or '我喜欢吃甜点'.

Understanding the nuances between 甜点 and its synonyms will elevate your Chinese. Here are the primary distinctions:

甜食 (tiánshí)
'Sweet food'. This is a broader, more generic term. If you have a 'sweet tooth', you are someone who likes '甜食'. It includes candy, soda, and desserts.
点心 (diǎnxīn)
'Snacks/Refreshments'. This includes both sweet and savory items. In Cantonese culture, this refers to Dim Sum. In Northern China, it often refers to traditional dry pastries.
零食 (língshí)
'Snacks'. This refers to anything eaten between meals, like potato chips or nuts. While a dessert can be a snack, '零食' usually implies something packaged or casual.
糕点 (gāodiǎn)
'Cakes and pastries'. This is a more formal or professional term used in bakeries. It specifically refers to flour-based baked or steamed goods.

When choosing which word to use, consider the context: 甜点 is the most common word for a 'dessert course' or a 'fancy sweet treat'. 甜食 is what you avoid if you're on a diet. 点心 is what you have with tea. 零食 is what you eat while watching a movie.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Argot

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Niveau de difficulté

Écriture 3/5

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

我喜欢吃甜点。

I like to eat dessert.

Basic Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

这是甜点吗？

Is this dessert?

Question using '吗'.

3

甜点很甜。

The dessert is very sweet.

Noun + Adverb + Adjective.

4

我要一个甜点。

I want a dessert.

Using '一个' as a measure word.

5

他不吃甜点。

He doesn't eat dessert.

Negation with '不'.

6

甜点在那儿。

The dessert is over there.

Indicating location.

7

妈妈做甜点。

Mom makes dessert.

Simple SVO.

8

这个甜点多少钱？

How much is this dessert?

Asking about price.

1

你想吃什么甜点？

What dessert do you want to eat?

Using '想' (want/would like).

2

这里的甜点很有名。

The desserts here are very famous.

Possessive '的' implied or used with location.

3

我最喜欢巧克力甜点。

I like chocolate desserts the most.

Using '最' for superlative.

4

晚饭后我们吃甜点吧。

Let's eat dessert after dinner.

Suggestion particle '吧'.

5

这个甜点太甜了。

This dessert is too sweet.

Structure '太...了'.

6

你会做甜点吗？

Can you make desserts?

Modal verb '会' (ability).

7

我买了一些甜点。

I bought some desserts.

Using '一些' (some).

8

这种甜点很好吃。

This kind of dessert is delicious.

Measure word '种' (kind/type).

1

虽然我很饱，但我还想吃甜点。

Although I am full, I still want to eat dessert.

Conjunction '虽然...但是...'.

2

这家店的甜点不仅好看，而且好吃。

This shop's desserts are not only good-looking but also delicious.

Structure '不仅...而且...'.

3

为了健康，我决定少吃甜点。

For my health, I decided to eat less dessert.

Using '为了' (for/in order to).

4

你推荐哪种甜点？

Which dessert do you recommend?

Verb '推荐' (recommend).

5

吃甜点让我感到开心。

Eating dessert makes me feel happy.

Causative '让' (make/let).

6

这种甜点是用牛奶做的。

This dessert is made with milk.

Passive/Material structure '是用...做的'.

7

我不习惯在早上吃甜点。

I'm not used to eating dessert in the morning.

Phrase '不习惯' (not used to).

8

请给我来一份招牌甜点。

Please give me a serving of the signature dessert.

Using '招牌' (signature/specialty).

1

这家餐厅的甜点种类非常丰富。

The variety of desserts in this restaurant is very rich.

Noun '种类' (variety/types).

2

这种甜点甜而不腻，口感极佳。

This dessert is sweet but not cloying, and the texture is excellent.

Idiomatic '甜而不腻'.

3

他专门去法国学习制作甜点。

He went to France specifically to learn how to make desserts.

Adverb '专门' (specifically).

4

甜点的摆盘非常精致，像艺术品一样。

The plating of the dessert is very exquisite, like a work of art.

Simile '像...一样'.

5

过量食用甜点会导致肥胖。

Excessive consumption of desserts can lead to obesity.

Formal verb '导致' (lead to/cause).

6

由于原材料涨价，甜点的价格也提高了。

Due to the rising cost of raw materials, the price of desserts has also increased.

Conjunction '由于' (due to).

7

这款甜点完美地结合了中西风味。

This dessert perfectly combines Chinese and Western flavors.

Verb '结合' (combine).

8

他在甜点界享有很高的声誉。

He enjoys a high reputation in the dessert world.

Phrase '享有...声誉' (enjoy a reputation).

1

甜点不仅是味觉的享受，更是视觉的盛宴。

Dessert is not only an enjoyment for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.

Correlative '不仅是...更是...'.

2

主厨对甜点的每一个细节都精益求精。

The head chef strives for perfection in every detail of the dessert.

Idiom '精益求精' (strive for perfection).

3

这款甜点唤起了我童年的记忆。

This dessert evoked my childhood memories.

Verb '唤起' (evoke).

4

现代甜点创作越来越注重低糖和健康理念。

Modern dessert creation increasingly focuses on low-sugar and health concepts.

Structure '注重...理念'.

5

甜点的甜味与咖啡的苦味形成了鲜明的对比。

The sweetness of the dessert forms a sharp contrast with the bitterness of the coffee.

Phrase '形成鲜明对比'.

6

这家店通过创新的甜点吸引了大量年轻顾客。

This shop attracted a large number of young customers through innovative desserts.

Preposition '通过' (through/by means of).

7

甜点在社交场合中扮演着不可或缺的角色。

Dessert plays an indispensable role in social occasions.

Phrase '扮演...角色' (play a role).

8

精致的甜点往往能提升整顿饭的格调。

Exquisite desserts can often elevate the style/class of the entire meal.

Noun '格调' (style/class/standard).

1

甜点的精致程度往往折射出一家餐厅的文化底蕴。

The degree of sophistication of the desserts often reflects the cultural heritage of a restaurant.

Verb '折射' (reflect/refract).

2

在分子料理中，甜点的形态被彻底解构与重组。

In molecular gastronomy, the form of dessert is completely deconstructed and reorganized.

Technical terms '解构' and '重组'.

3

甜点消费的激增反映了中产阶级生活方式的转变。

The surge in dessert consumption reflects the shift in middle-class lifestyles.

Noun '激增' (surge/soar).

4

这款甜点在口感的层次转换上达到了炉火纯青的地步。

This dessert has reached a level of consummate mastery in the transition of texture layers.

Idiom '炉火纯青' (at the peak of perfection).

5

甜点师将传统的东方食材融入现代甜点工艺之中。

The pastry chef incorporates traditional Eastern ingredients into modern dessert techniques.

Verb '融入' (incorporate/merge into).

6

对甜点的极度追求有时被视为一种消费主义的象征。

The extreme pursuit of desserts is sometimes seen as a symbol of consumerism.

Abstract concept '消费主义'.

7

甜点不仅是能量的补充，更是情感的寄托与慰藉。

Dessert is not just a supplement of energy, but also a sustenance and solace for emotions.

Noun '寄托' (sustenance/hope) and '慰藉' (solace).

8

该论文探讨了甜点在全球化背景下的本土化演变。

The paper explores the localized evolution of desserts in the context of globalization.

Academic terms '本土化' and '演变'.

Collocations courantes

吃甜点 (eat dessert)
做甜点 (make dessert)
点甜点 (order dessert)
一份甜点 (a serving of dessert)
招牌甜点 (signature dessert)
精美甜点 (exquisite dessert)
餐后甜点 (post-meal dessert)
甜点店 (dessert shop)
甜点单 (dessert menu)
制作甜点 (produce/make dessert)

Phrases Courantes

甜点时间 (dessert time)

爱吃甜点 (love eating dessert)

各式甜点 (various desserts)

手工甜点 (handmade dessert)

法式甜点 (French dessert)

中式甜点 (Chinese dessert)

甜点师傅 (pastry chef)

免费甜点 (free dessert)

甜点拼盘 (dessert platter)

网红甜点 (internet-famous dessert)

Souvent confondu avec

甜点 vs 点心

Broader term, includes savory items like dumplings.

甜点 vs 甜食

General category of all sweet foods, including candy and soda.

甜点 vs 糖果

Specifically refers to hard or soft candies/sweets, not pastries.

Expressions idiomatiques

""

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""

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""

""

Facile à confondre

甜点 vs

甜点 vs

甜点 vs

甜点 vs

甜点 vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

Countability

In Chinese, it functions as a collective noun or a specific item depending on the measure word.

Social Context

Eating dessert is often a 'social' activity (下午茶).

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 甜点 for savory dim sum.
  • Forgetting the measure word 份 when ordering.
  • Pronouncing 'tián' with the wrong tone (e.g., first tone).
  • Confusing 甜点 (dessert) with 糖果 (candy).
  • Saying '我吃甜' instead of '我吃甜食' or '我吃甜点'.

Astuces

Tea Pairing

Chinese desserts are often paired with tea to balance the sweetness. Oolong or Pu'er tea is excellent for cutting through the richness of pastries. This combination is the essence of 'tea time' in China. Try it to experience the full flavor profile.

Character Breakdown

The character 甜 (tián) has 'tongue' on the left. This helps you remember it's about taste. The character 点 (diǎn) has four dots at the bottom, representing fire in its original form. Think of small snacks being cooked over a fire.

Signature Items

When in doubt, ask for the '招牌甜点' (zhāopái tiándiǎn). This is the restaurant's signature or most famous dessert. It's usually the safest and most delicious bet for a newcomer. Most waiters will be happy to recommend it.

Healthy Options

If you want a healthier 甜点, look for '银耳汤' (white fungus soup) or '龟苓膏' (herbal jelly). These are traditional desserts believed to have health benefits. They are much lower in sugar than cakes. They are also very refreshing in summer.

Internet Terms

On social media, you might see '甜点控' (tiándiǎn kòng). The 'kòng' suffix comes from Japanese 'complex' and means someone who is obsessed with something. So a '甜点控' is a 'dessert fanatic'. Use this to describe your love for sweets!

Sharing is Caring

In China, desserts are often shared among the group. Even if you order '一份' (one serving), it's common to put it in the middle for everyone to try. Don't be surprised if your friends offer you a bite of theirs. It's a sign of closeness.

Related Verbs

Learn the verb '烘焙' (hòngbèi) which means 'to bake'. It's often used when talking about Western-style 甜点. For Chinese desserts, you might hear '蒸' (zhēng - steam) or '煮' (zhǔ - boil). Knowing the cooking method helps you understand the menu.

Tone Mastery

Focus on the rising tone of 'tián'. If you say it with a flat tone, it might be confused with other words. The third tone on 'diǎn' should be deep and clear. Practice saying them together as one unit: tián-diǎn.

Bakery vs Supermarket

Fresh 甜点 from a '面包店' (bakery) is usually better than the packaged ones in a '超市' (supermarket). Look for bakeries that have a high turnover of customers. This ensures the pastries are fresh and the cream is real. Avoid long-shelf-life desserts if possible.

Packaging Matters

If you are buying 甜点 as a gift, pay attention to the '包装' (packaging). In China, the presentation is almost as important as the taste for gifts. A beautiful box of 甜点 shows respect and thoughtfulness. Many shops offer special gift wrapping.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Boxes of high-end 甜点 are popular gifts during visits to friends or relatives.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often views excessive 'sweetness' as creating 'dampness' (湿气) in the body, leading to a cautious approach among older generations.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"你最喜欢吃哪种甜点？ (What kind of dessert do you like most?)"

"这顿饭后你想点甜点吗？ (Do you want to order dessert after this meal?)"

"你会自己在家做甜点吗？ (Do you make desserts at home yourself?)"

"你觉得哪家的甜点最好吃？ (Which place do you think has the best desserts?)"

"你喜欢中式甜点还是西式甜点？ (Do you like Chinese or Western desserts?)"

Sujets d'écriture

描述一次你吃过的最难忘的甜点。 (Describe the most memorable dessert you've ever eaten.)

你认为甜点对心情有影响吗？为什么？ (Do you think dessert affects your mood? Why?)

写一写你家乡的传统甜点。 (Write about the traditional desserts of your hometown.)

如果你开一家甜点店，你会卖什么？ (If you opened a dessert shop, what would you sell?)

讨论一下吃甜点与健康的关系。 (Discuss the relationship between eating dessert and health.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

甜点 (tiándiǎn) specifically refers to desserts like cakes or puddings, often served as a course. 甜食 (tiánshí) is a broader term for any sweet food, including candy, honey, or sugary drinks. You would use 甜食 to talk about a diet, but 甜点 to talk about a menu item. It is a distinction of category versus specific dish.

Yes, you can use '个' (gè) for individual dessert items like a single cookie or a cupcake. However, in a restaurant, '份' (fèn) is more common as it refers to a 'serving'. If you are at a buffet, you might use '块' (kuài) for a slice of cake. '个' is the most versatile but '份' is more professional.

In traditional Chinese culture, a plate of fresh fruit often serves the role of dessert at the end of a meal. While technically fruit is fruit (水果), in a modern menu context, it might be listed under 甜点. However, usually, 甜点 implies something prepared or processed like a cake or soup. Fruit is often a healthy substitute for 甜点.

You can say '我喜欢吃甜食' (I like eating sweet food) or '我爱吃甜的' (I love eating sweet things). There isn't a direct literal translation for 'sweet tooth' that is as common, but '爱吃甜食' conveys the exact same meaning. Some people might also say '我是甜党' (I'm a member of the sweet party) in internet slang.

Generally, traditional Chinese desserts are less sweet than Western ones. They often rely on the natural sweetness of ingredients like red dates, lotus seeds, or sweet potatoes. Modern 'fusion' desserts in China also tend to reduce sugar content compared to their original Western recipes. This is why 'not too sweet' is a common compliment in China.

Famous traditional Chinese desserts include 糖葫芦 (tanghulu - candied hawthorn), 月饼 (mooncakes), 汤圆 (tangyuan - sweet rice balls), and 红豆沙 (red bean soup). Each region has its own specialties, such as the delicate flower cakes of Yunnan or the milk-based desserts of Guangdong. These are all categorized as 甜点.

No, 甜点 is also the centerpiece of '下午茶' (afternoon tea), which is very popular in urban China. It can also be eaten as a snack at any time of the day. In many cities, dessert-only shops are open late into the night for people to enjoy a sweet treat after a night out. It is a versatile food category.

You can say '请给我看一下甜点单' (Please let me see the dessert menu) or '你们有什么甜点？' (What desserts do you have?). If you are in a casual place, you can just ask '有甜点吗？'. Most modern restaurants will have a separate section at the end of their main menu for 甜点.

By definition, 甜点 must be sweet (甜). If a snack is savory, it would be called '点心' (diǎnxīn) or '小吃' (xiǎochī). The character '甜' is the defining feature of this word. If you are looking for savory snacks, you should avoid anything labeled 甜点.

A chocolate bar is usually called 糖果 (candy) or just 巧克力. However, a chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, or any chocolate-based prepared dish is definitely a 甜点. In a bakery or restaurant, chocolate items are almost always in the 甜点 section.

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