At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the word 花生 (huā shēng) as a basic food vocabulary item. The focus is purely on recognition and simple usage. You learn that 花生 means peanut. You practice saying '我喜欢吃花生' (I like eating peanuts) or '我不喜欢吃花生' (I don't like eating peanuts). The pronunciation is straightforward, with two first tones: huā shēng. You might see this word on flashcards alongside other common foods like 苹果 (apple) and 面包 (bread). At this stage, the goal is to be able to identify the word when reading a simple menu or when shopping in a supermarket. You also learn the characters: 花 (flower) and 生 (to be born/grow), which are very common characters that will help you build other words later. Simple sentences like '这是花生' (This is a peanut) are the core focus. You are not expected to know complex cultural meanings or advanced grammar structures involving this word yet. Just knowing how to say it and recognize it is enough for A1.
At the A2 level, your interaction with the word 花生 becomes more practical and conversational. You start using it in real-life scenarios, such as ordering food in a restaurant or discussing dietary preferences. You learn to combine it with other words, forming compounds like 花生酱 (peanut butter) and 花生油 (peanut oil). Crucially, at this level, you learn how to express allergies: '我对花生过敏' (I am allergic to peanuts). This is a vital survival phrase. You also start using measure words correctly, such as 一包花生 (a bag of peanuts) or 一盘花生 (a plate of peanuts). You can understand simple instructions or descriptions, like '这个蛋糕里有花生' (There are peanuts in this cake). The focus shifts from mere recognition to active communication about food, shopping, and health. You might also encounter the word in simple reading texts about Chinese snacks or daily routines.
At the B1 level, you begin to explore the cultural and culinary contexts of 花生. You can read and understand recipes that include 花生米 (shelled peanuts) as an ingredient, such as the famous 宫保鸡丁 (Kung Pao Chicken). You can discuss the different ways peanuts are prepared: 烤花生 (roasted peanuts), 煮花生 (boiled peanuts), and 炸花生 (fried peanuts). You can engage in conversations about traditional Chinese festivals where peanuts are served as snacks, understanding their role in hospitality. You might also learn the formal synonym 落花生 (luò huā shēng) and read simple stories or essays about it. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 花生壳 (peanut shell). You can express more complex opinions, such as '我觉得煮花生比烤花生好吃' (I think boiled peanuts are tastier than roasted peanuts). The word becomes a gateway to discussing Chinese food culture and daily habits in more detail.
At the B2 level, your understanding of 花生 extends beyond food into agriculture, economy, and deeper cultural symbolism. You can read news articles or watch documentaries about peanut farming in China, discussing concepts like 产量 (yield) and 农业 (agriculture). You understand the symbolic meaning of peanuts in Chinese culture—representing longevity (长生果) and prosperity—and can explain this to others. You can participate in debates or discussions about food allergies in schools or restaurants, using more advanced vocabulary. You might encounter idioms or wordplay involving peanuts, such as the phonetic pun between 花生 and 发生 (to happen) used during the New Year. Your reading comprehension allows you to grasp the nuances in literary texts where peanuts might be used as a metaphor for humility or hidden value, as seen in famous Chinese literature. You use the word effortlessly in a wide range of complex contexts.
At the C1 level, you possess a near-native grasp of the word 花生 and its cultural, historical, and literary connotations. You can analyze classic Chinese literature, such as Xu Dishan's famous essay '落花生' (The Peanut), which uses the peanut plant as a profound metaphor for a person who is useful but not boastful, as the fruit grows hidden underground. You can articulate these philosophical concepts fluently in Chinese. You are comfortable discussing the economic impact of the peanut oil industry (花生油产业) on China's agricultural sector using specialized vocabulary. You understand regional dialects or colloquialisms related to peanuts, such as the Cantonese term 地豆. You can seamlessly integrate the word into sophisticated, abstract conversations, using it not just as a noun for a food item, but as a cultural touchstone to discuss traditional Chinese values of modesty, resilience, and longevity.
At the C2 level, your mastery of the word 花生 is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You have a comprehensive understanding of its etymology, historical introduction to China, and its evolution in the Chinese language. You can effortlessly navigate highly technical texts regarding the botany, genetics, or agricultural science of the peanut plant (落花生). You can write elegant essays or deliver speeches using the peanut as a central metaphor, drawing upon a deep well of literary and historical references. You understand the subtle sociolinguistic variations in how the word is used across different Chinese provinces and generations. You can play with the language, creating your own puns or poetic references involving 花生. At this level, the word is fully integrated into your vast linguistic repertoire, allowing for precise, nuanced, and culturally rich expression in any conceivable context.

花生 30초 만에

  • Means 'peanut' in English.
  • Literally translates to 'flower born'.
  • Commonly used in Chinese cooking and snacks.
  • Crucial word for those with food allergies.
The Chinese word 花生 (huā shēng) is a highly common noun that translates to 'peanut' in English. To truly understand this word, we must look at its literal translation: 'flower' (花) and 'born/grow' (生). This refers to the unique botanical characteristic of the peanut plant, where the flowers bloom above ground, but the pods grow and mature beneath the soil. This is why peanuts are sometimes referred to as groundnuts. In Chinese culinary and cultural contexts, peanuts are ubiquitous. They are served as appetizers, used in cooking oils, ground into sauces, and eaten as snacks. Beyond its literal meaning, the peanut holds significant cultural value in China. It is often associated with longevity and prosperity. During festivals, especially the Lunar New Year, peanuts are served to guests to wish them a long and healthy life. The word itself is simple enough for an A2 learner to grasp quickly, but its applications are vast.
Literal Meaning
Flower-born, referring to how the plant's flowers drop into the soil to grow the nut.

我最喜欢吃花生

Understanding the etymology helps learners remember the word easily. The character 花 (huā) is one of the first characters taught in Chinese, meaning flower. 生 (shēng) means to be born or to grow. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the agricultural process. In many regional dialects, there are other names for peanuts, such as 落花生 (luò huā shēng), which is the more formal or scientific name, literally meaning 'falling flower born'.
Cultural Symbolism
Represents longevity, wealth, and the continuous birth of noble children.

这盘花生很脆。

他对花生过敏。

When you travel to China, you will notice that peanuts are rarely eaten raw. They are usually processed in some way—roasted with salt, boiled with star anise and other spices, or fried. The boiled peanuts (水煮花生) are particularly popular in the summer, often paired with beer at night markets.
Dietary Context
A staple ingredient in many sauces, oils, and traditional snacks across various Chinese provinces.

请给我一包花生

我们在种花生

The word 花生 is a perfect example of how Chinese vocabulary often describes the physical or functional nature of the object it represents. For an A2 learner, mastering this word opens up the ability to navigate menus, discuss dietary restrictions, and understand a small piece of Chinese agricultural history. Whether you are ordering a dish like Kung Pao Chicken (which traditionally contains peanuts) or buying a snack at a convenience store, 花生 is an indispensable part of your everyday Chinese vocabulary.
Using the word 花生 (huā shēng) in everyday Chinese conversation is straightforward, as it functions as a standard noun. You can use it as the subject or object of a sentence. For instance, when expressing a preference, you can say '我喜欢吃花生' (I like eating peanuts). When purchasing, you might say '我要买一包花生' (I want to buy a bag of peanuts). The measure word most commonly used for a single peanut is 颗 (kē), as in 一颗花生 (one peanut). However, since peanuts are usually dealt with in bulk, you will more frequently hear measure words like 包 (bāo - bag), 盘 (pán - plate), or 斤 (jīn - half-kilo).
Measure Words
Use 颗 for a single nut, 包 for a bag, and 盘 for a plate of peanuts.

桌子上有一盘花生

In culinary contexts, 花生 acts as a modifier for other nouns to describe peanut-based products. For example, peanut butter is 花生酱 (huā shēng jiàng), peanut oil is 花生油 (huā shēng yóu), and peanut milk is 花生奶 (huā shēng nǎi). This compounding feature of the Chinese language makes it very easy to expand your vocabulary once you know the root word.
Compound Words
Combine 花生 with other nouns like 酱 (sauce) or 油 (oil) to form new words.

我需要买一瓶花生油。

早餐我吃面包涂花生酱。

It is also vital to know how to use this word in medical or emergency contexts. Peanut allergies are becoming more recognized globally, including in Chinese-speaking regions. The phrase for 'allergic to peanuts' is 对花生过敏 (duì huā shēng guò mǐn). If you have this allergy, you should memorize the sentence: '我对花生过敏,请不要放花生' (I am allergic to peanuts, please do not put peanuts).
Allergy Warning
Always use the structure 对...过敏 (allergic to...) when discussing food allergies.

这道菜里有花生吗?

医生说我不能吃花生

Another common usage is distinguishing between the shell and the nut. The shell is 花生壳 (huā shēng ké), and the edible kernel is 花生米 (huā shēng mǐ). When recipes call for peanuts, they usually specify 花生米. Whether you are shopping, cooking, or dining out, understanding these nuances of how to use 花生 will greatly enhance your practical Chinese communication skills.
You will hear the word 花生 (huā shēng) in a wide variety of contexts across Chinese-speaking regions, primarily revolving around food, agriculture, and daily life. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in restaurants. When you sit down at a traditional Chinese restaurant, the waiter might bring a small dish of snacks and say, '这是送的凉菜和花生' (These are complimentary cold dishes and peanuts). You will also hear it frequently in supermarkets and wet markets. Vendors might shout, '新鲜的煮花生!' (Fresh boiled peanuts!) or you might ask a store clerk, '花生酱在哪里?' (Where is the peanut butter?).
Restaurant Setting
Often heard when waiters introduce appetizers or when ordering dishes like Kung Pao Chicken.

服务员,再来一盘花生

Beyond food venues, you will hear the word in agricultural discussions. China is one of the world's largest producers of peanuts, so in rural areas, conversations about farming will often include phrases like '今年花生收成不错' (The peanut harvest is good this year). During the Lunar New Year, the word takes on a festive tone. Elders might offer candies and nuts to children, saying '吃点花生,好事发生' (Eat some peanuts, good things will happen), playing on the phonetic similarity between 花生 (huā shēng) and 发生 (fā shēng - to happen).
Festive Greetings
Used in wordplay during holidays to wish for good events to 'happen' (发生).

过年我们要买很多花生和瓜子。

爷爷在院子里剥花生

You will also hear it in the context of cooking shows or recipe videos. A chef might instruct viewers to '加入炸好的花生米' (add the fried peanuts). In casual conversations among friends, especially when drinking alcohol, peanuts are the ultimate bar snack. Friends might say '拿点花生来下酒' (Bring some peanuts to go with the alcohol).
Drinking Culture
Peanuts, especially fried and salted, are considered the perfect companion to beer or baijiu.

喝啤酒怎么能没有花生

这种花生是五香口味的。

Therefore, whether you are watching a Chinese cooking tutorial, attending a festive gathering, shopping for groceries, or just enjoying a beer with friends at a local pub, the word 花生 is guaranteed to make an appearance. It is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday Chinese life.
While the word 花生 (huā shēng) is relatively simple, learners often make a few common mistakes regarding its pronunciation, usage, and cultural nuances. The first major mistake is pronunciation. The pinyin is 'huā shēng', where 'huā' is first tone (high and flat) and 'shēng' is also first tone. Many learners accidentally pronounce 'shēng' with a rising or falling tone, which can confuse native speakers or make the word sound like something else entirely. It is crucial to maintain that steady, high pitch across both syllables.
Pronunciation Error
Failing to keep both syllables in the first tone (high and flat) is the most common phonetic mistake.

请注意花生的发音是两个一声。

Another common mistake is confusing 花生 with other nuts. In English, we group peanuts with tree nuts like almonds and walnuts under the general term 'nuts'. In Chinese, the general term for nuts is 坚果 (jiān guǒ). While peanuts are technically legumes, they are often grouped with 坚果 in daily life, but learners sometimes use the word 坚果 when they specifically want peanuts, which can lead to getting a mixed bag of expensive tree nuts instead of the cheap, common peanut.
Categorization
Do not use the generic word for nuts (坚果) if you specifically want peanuts.

我想买花生,不是混合坚果。

这里的花生很便宜。

Learners also make mistakes with measure words. Saying '一个花生' (one peanut) using the generic measure word 个 (gè) is understandable but sounds slightly unnatural. The better measure word for small, round objects like a peanut kernel is 颗 (kē). So, '一颗花生' is much more native-sounding. Furthermore, when talking about peanut butter, learners sometimes try to directly translate 'butter' as 黄油 (huáng yóu) and say '花生黄油', which is incorrect. The correct term is 花生酱 (huā shēng jiàng), where 酱 means sauce or paste.
Vocabulary Mix-up
Peanut butter is 花生酱, not 花生黄油.

请给我拿一瓶花生酱。

我吃了一颗花生

Avoiding these common pitfalls—mastering the double first tone, using the correct measure words, and knowing the specific compound words like 花生酱—will make your Chinese sound much more fluent and natural when discussing this everyday food item.
When learning the word 花生 (huā shēng), it is helpful to explore similar words in the Chinese vocabulary to build a broader understanding of food and agricultural terms. The most direct synonym is 落花生 (luò huā shēng), which is the formal, botanical name for the peanut. You will rarely hear this in casual conversation, but you might see it in scientific literature or formal writing. Another poetic synonym is 长生果 (cháng shēng guǒ), which translates to 'long-life fruit'. This term highlights the cultural symbolism of the peanut representing longevity and health.
Formal Synonym
落花生 is the scientific name, emphasizing how the flower drops into the soil.

在植物学中,它被称为落花生

In terms of related foods, you should know words for other common nuts and seeds. 瓜子 (guā zǐ - sunflower or melon seeds) is the only snack that rivals peanuts in popularity during Chinese gatherings. 核桃 (hé tao - walnut), 杏仁 (xìng rén - almond), and 腰果 (yāo guǒ - cashew) are other popular nuts you will find in the 坚果 (jiān guǒ - nuts) aisle. While they are botanically different, they occupy the same culinary space as peanuts in Chinese snacking culture.
Related Snacks
瓜子 (seeds) and 核桃 (walnuts) are often eaten alongside peanuts.

我们买了花生和瓜子。

比起核桃,我更喜欢花生

It is also useful to distinguish between the forms of peanuts. As mentioned earlier, 花生米 (huā shēng mǐ) refers specifically to the shelled peanut kernel. The character 米 (mǐ) usually means rice, but here it denotes a small, grain-like object. So, when a recipe asks for peanuts, it will almost always say 花生米. Another related term is 豆类 (dòu lèi - legumes/beans). Since peanuts grow underground in pods, they are botanically legumes, placing them in the same family as 黄豆 (huáng dòu - soybeans) and 绿豆 (lǜ dòu - mung beans).
Botanical Family
Peanuts belong to the 豆类 (legume) family, not true tree nuts.

这道菜需要一把花生米。

花生其实是一种豆类。

Understanding these similar and related words helps you navigate menus better, shop more effectively, and appreciate the rich categorization of foods in the Chinese language.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

쓰기 3/5

알아야 할 문법

Using measure words (颗, 包, 盘)

Expressing allergies with 对...过敏

Forming compound nouns (Noun + Noun = 花生酱)

Comparisons using 比 (花生比核桃便宜)

Using 把 structure for actions (把花生剥开)

수준별 예문

1

这是花生。

This is a peanut.

Simple noun identification.

2

我吃花生。

I eat peanuts.

Subject + Verb + Object.

3

花生很好吃。

Peanuts are very tasty.

Noun + 很 + Adjective.

4

我不喜欢花生。

I don't like peanuts.

Negative preference using 不.

5

你有花生吗?

Do you have peanuts?

Yes/No question using 吗.

6

买一点花生。

Buy a little peanut.

Using 一点 for quantity.

7

花生是黄色的。

Peanuts are yellow/brown.

Describing color.

8

那是花生。

That is a peanut.

Demonstrative pronoun 那.

1

我要买一包花生。

I want to buy a bag of peanuts.

Using measure word 包.

2

他对花生过敏。

He is allergic to peanuts.

Crucial phrase: 对...过敏.

3

请给我一盘花生。

Please give me a plate of peanuts.

Polite request with 请.

4

我早上吃花生酱。

I eat peanut butter in the morning.

Compound word 花生酱.

5

这个菜里有花生吗?

Are there peanuts in this dish?

Asking about ingredients.

6

花生比核桃便宜。

Peanuts are cheaper than walnuts.

Comparison using 比.

7

我们在超市买花生油。

We buy peanut oil at the supermarket.

Compound word 花生油.

8

他吃了一颗花生。

He ate one peanut.

Measure word 颗 for small round objects.

1

宫保鸡丁里面有很多花生米。

There are many shelled peanuts in Kung Pao Chicken.

Specific term 花生米 for culinary use.

2

看电影的时候,我喜欢吃炸花生。

When watching movies, I like to eat fried peanuts.

Describing preparation method (炸).

3

因为花生过敏,他不能吃这个蛋糕。

Because of a peanut allergy, he cannot eat this cake.

Cause and effect with 因为.

4

水煮花生是夏天常见的夜市小吃。

Boiled peanuts are a common night market snack in summer.

Descriptive sentence structure.

5

把花生壳剥掉再吃。

Peel off the peanut shell before eating.

Using the 把 structure.

6

这种花生糖非常甜,很好吃。

This kind of peanut brittle is very sweet and delicious.

Compound noun 花生糖.

7

过年时,家里总会准备一些花生和瓜子。

During the New Year, the family always prepares some peanuts and seeds.

Cultural context and time phrase.

8

医生建议我少吃咸花生。

The doctor advised me to eat fewer salted peanuts.

Giving advice.

1

中国是世界上主要的花生生产国之一。

China is one of the world's major peanut producing countries.

Formal statement using 之一.

2

在传统文化中,花生象征着长寿和多子多福。

In traditional culture, peanuts symbolize longevity and fertility.

Expressing symbolism (象征着).

3

这篇文章以落花生为喻,教导我们要脚踏实地。

This article uses the peanut as a metaphor, teaching us to be down-to-earth.

Literary reference and metaphor (以...为喻).

4

随着健康意识的提高,纯手工压榨的花生油越来越受欢迎。

With rising health awareness, hand-pressed peanut oil is becoming increasingly popular.

Trend description using 随着...越来越...

5

如果误食了含有花生隐性成分的食品,过敏者会有生命危险。

If foods containing hidden peanut ingredients are accidentally eaten, allergy sufferers could face life-threatening danger.

Conditional sentence with complex vocabulary.

6

这片沙质土壤非常适合种植花生。

This sandy soil is very suitable for planting peanuts.

Agricultural context.

7

除夕夜,长辈抓了一把花生放在我手里,祝我好事发生。

On New Year's Eve, the elder grabbed a handful of peanuts and put them in my hand, wishing me good things to happen.

Cultural pun (花生/发生).

8

由于气候干旱,今年的花生收成受到了一定影响。

Due to the dry climate, this year's peanut harvest has been somewhat affected.

Cause and effect in a formal context.

1

许地山的散文《落花生》深刻地揭示了“人要做有用的人,不要做只讲体面,而对别人没有好处的人”的哲理。

Xu Dishan's essay 'The Peanut' profoundly reveals the philosophy that 'one should be a useful person, not someone who only cares about appearances and is of no benefit to others.'

Complex literary analysis and quoting.

2

在探讨农产品期货市场时,花生作为一种重要的经济作物,其价格波动备受投资者关注。

When discussing the agricultural futures market, the price fluctuation of peanuts, as an important cash crop, draws much attention from investors.

Economic and financial terminology.

3

针对日益严重的儿童花生过敏问题,医学界正在积极研发脱敏疗法。

In response to the increasingly severe issue of childhood peanut allergies, the medical community is actively developing desensitization therapies.

Formal academic/medical register.

4

那家老字号的花生酥,凭借其独特的烘焙工艺和世代相传的秘方,在众多糕点中脱颖而出。

That time-honored brand's peanut crisp, relying on its unique baking process and generation-passed secret recipe, stands out among numerous pastries.

Descriptive narrative with idioms (脱颖而出).

5

花生不仅是餐桌上的佳肴,更是维系中国乡土社会人际交往的重要媒介。

Peanuts are not only a delicacy on the dining table but also an important medium for maintaining interpersonal relationships in rural Chinese society.

Sociological observation using 不仅是...更是...

6

为了提高花生的抗病性,农业科学家们运用基因编辑技术培育出了几个新品种。

To improve the disease resistance of peanuts, agricultural scientists have used gene-editing technology to cultivate several new varieties.

Scientific and technical context.

7

他那套说辞不过是嚼别人嚼过的花生米,毫无新意可言。

His rhetoric is nothing more than chewing peanuts that others have already chewed; there is absolutely no novelty to it.

Colloquial metaphor for unoriginality.

8

从花生的引种历史可以看出,明清时期的中外农业交流对中国饮食结构的改变起到了推波助澜的作用。

From the history of the peanut's introduction, it can be seen that Sino-foreign agricultural exchanges during the Ming and Qing dynasties played a role in fueling changes in China's dietary structure.

Historical analysis using idioms (推波助澜).

1

纵观明清以降的农业史,落花生的广泛引种与栽培,不仅极大地缓解了人口激增带来的粮食压力,更重塑了边际土地的利用格局。

Looking throughout agricultural history since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the widespread introduction and cultivation of the peanut not only greatly alleviated the food pressure brought by population surges but also reshaped the utilization pattern of marginal lands.

Highly formal historical discourse.

2

在文人墨客的笔下,落花生那“花落而实生”的独特物候特征,往往被赋予了韬光养晦、厚积薄发的深层隐喻。

In the writings of scholars and poets, the peanut's unique phenological characteristic of 'flowers falling and fruit growing' is often endowed with the deep metaphor of concealing one's strengths and accumulating power for a profound breakthrough.

Literary critique using advanced idioms (韬光养晦, 厚积薄发).

3

面对全球化贸易壁垒的抬升,国内花生榨油企业亟需通过产业链的垂直整合与技术迭代,以对冲大宗商品周期性波动的系统性风险。

Facing the rise of global trade barriers, domestic peanut oil pressing enterprises urgently need to hedge against the systemic risks of cyclical commodity fluctuations through vertical integration of the industrial chain and technological iteration.

Advanced economic and corporate strategy terminology.

4

免疫学前沿研究表明,针对花生致敏蛋白Ara h 1至Ara h 3的表位特异性修饰,有望从根本上重塑患者的免疫耐受机制。

Frontier immunological research indicates that epitope-specific modification targeting peanut allergenic proteins Ara h 1 to Ara h 3 is expected to fundamentally reshape the immune tolerance mechanism of patients.

Highly specialized scientific/medical jargon.

5

他以一种近乎苦行僧般的执着,在浩如烟海的古籍中考证花生传入神州大地的确切年代,试图厘清那段扑朔迷离的植物交流史。

With an almost ascetic persistence, he researched the exact era of the peanut's introduction to the divine land of China within voluminous ancient texts, attempting to clarify that complicated history of botanical exchange.

Evocative narrative using rich imagery and idioms (浩如烟海, 扑朔迷离).

6

乡野间那几句关于花生的俚语村言,看似粗鄙,实则蕴含着世代农人顺应天时、敬畏土地的生存智慧与生态伦理。

Those few rustic slang phrases about peanuts in the countryside, though seemingly vulgar, actually contain the survival wisdom and ecological ethics of generations of farmers adapting to the seasons and revering the land.

Sociolinguistic and philosophical reflection.

7

在资本市场的狂热炒作下,原本作为基础农产品的花生,其金融属性被无限放大,折射出当下实体经济与虚拟资本之间的深刻博弈。

Under the frenzied speculation of the capital market, the financial attributes of the peanut, originally a basic agricultural product, have been infinitely magnified, reflecting the profound game between the real economy and virtual capital today.

Macroeconomic analysis.

8

那盘看似不起眼的盐水花生,实则是他漂泊异乡数十载,用以慰藉浓重乡愁的唯一情感锚点。

That seemingly unremarkable plate of salted boiled peanuts is actually the only emotional anchor he uses to console his heavy homesickness after wandering in foreign lands for decades.

Deeply emotional and literary storytelling.

자주 쓰는 조합

烤花生
煮花生
花生酱
花生油
炸花生米
剥花生
种花生
花生酥
花生壳
花生米

자주 쓰는 구문

吃花生
一包花生
花生过敏
炒花生米
花生牛奶
花生排骨汤
花生糖
脆皮花生
盐水花生
五香花生

자주 혼동되는 단어

花生 vs 发生 (fā shēng) - to happen

花生 vs 坚果 (jiān guǒ) - nuts in general

花生 vs 瓜子 (guā zǐ) - melon/sunflower seeds

혼동하기 쉬운

花生 vs

花生 vs

花生 vs

花生 vs

花生 vs

문장 패턴

사용법

culinary terms

Always use 花生米 when referring to the edible kernel in cooking.

regional differences

In some southern dialects, it may be called 地豆 (ground bean).

자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the tones incorrectly (e.g., using a rising tone on 生).
  • Saying 花生黄油 instead of 花生酱 for peanut butter.
  • Using the generic word 坚果 (nuts) when specifically wanting peanuts.
  • Using 个 as the measure word instead of 颗, 包, or 盘.
  • Forgetting to specify 花生米 when asking for shelled peanuts in a recipe.

Master the First Tones

Both syllables in 花生 are first tone. Practice saying them with a high, flat pitch, like a robot or a musical note. Huā-shēng.

Learn the Allergy Phrase

If you are allergic, memorize '我对花生过敏' (wǒ duì huā shēng guò mǐn). Write it on a card to show waiters when traveling in China.

Compound Words

Use 花生 as a base to learn more words. Add 酱 for peanut butter, 油 for peanut oil, and 奶 for peanut milk. It's an easy way to expand your vocabulary.

New Year Snacks

During the Lunar New Year, expect to be offered peanuts. Accepting them is polite and symbolizes accepting wishes for a long life.

Use 花生米 for Recipes

If you are reading or writing a Chinese recipe, always use the term 花生米 for the peanuts you cook with, not just 花生.

Measure Words Matter

Upgrade your Chinese by using 颗 (kē) instead of 个 (gè) for a single peanut. It shows a higher level of language proficiency.

Remember the Meaning

Think of the literal translation 'flower born' to remember the characters. It connects the word to the physical plant, making it unforgettable.

Complimentary Appetizers

Don't be surprised if a restaurant gives you a small plate of peanuts before you order. It's a common complimentary appetizer in China.

Understand the Puns

Appreciate the wordplay in Chinese. When someone gives you peanuts and says '好事发生', they are wishing you good luck using a clever pun.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a FLOWER (花) dropping seeds to GROW (生) a PEANUT underground.

어원

The word originates from the botanical observation of the plant. After the flower (花) is pollinated, it drops to the ground, and the pod grows (生) underground.

문화적 맥락

It is polite to offer peanuts to guests as a welcoming snack.

Lunar New Year, Weddings

Longevity, continuous birth of children, wealth

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"你喜欢吃烤花生还是煮花生? (Do you prefer roasted or boiled peanuts?)"

"你对花生过敏吗? (Are you allergic to peanuts?)"

"你知道花生为什么叫“落花生”吗? (Do you know why peanuts are called 'luo hua sheng'?)"

"这道菜里放了花生米吗? (Are there peanuts in this dish?)"

"你吃过台湾的花生糖吗? (Have you tried Taiwanese peanut brittle?)"

일기 주제

Write about your favorite snack that includes peanuts.

Describe a time you had to explain a food allergy in a foreign language.

Explain the cultural symbolism of peanuts in China based on what you learned.

Write a simple recipe for a dish that uses peanut oil or peanut butter.

Compare peanuts to another nut you like. Which is better and why?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Botanically, it is a legume (豆类). However, in everyday Chinese culinary terms, it is often grouped with nuts (坚果). You will find it in the nut aisle in supermarkets.

You say '花生过敏' (huā shēng guò mǐn). To say 'I am allergic to peanuts', use the sentence '我对花生过敏' (wǒ duì huā shēng guò mǐn). This is a very important survival phrase.

花生 refers to the peanut in general, including the shell. 花生米 specifically refers to the shelled, edible kernel. Recipes will almost always ask for 花生米.

The name describes how the plant grows. The peanut plant flowers above ground, but after pollination, the flower stalk drops to the soil, and the peanut pod grows underground.

It translates to 'long-life fruit'. It is a poetic or traditional synonym for peanuts, reflecting the Chinese cultural belief that eating peanuts promotes longevity and health.

You can, and people will understand you, but it sounds slightly unnatural. The better measure word for a single peanut kernel is 颗 (kē). For a bag, use 包 (bāo).

Peanut butter is 花生酱 (huā shēng jiàng). Do not try to translate 'butter' literally as 黄油 (huáng yóu). 酱 means sauce or paste.

It is very rare to eat raw peanuts in China. They are almost always roasted, boiled, or fried. Boiled peanuts (水煮花生) are a very popular summer snack.

They sound very similar (huā shēng vs fā shēng) but have completely different meanings. However, Chinese people often use this phonetic similarity for puns during festivals, wishing that 'good things happen' (好事发生).

Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁) is a famous Sichuan dish that traditionally includes fried peanuts (花生米) as a key ingredient for crunch and flavor. If you have an allergy, you must ask them to remove it.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write 'peanut' in Chinese characters.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

花生

The characters are 花 (flower) and 生 (grow).

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

The characters are 花 (flower) and 生 (grow).

writing

Write 'I like eating peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

我喜欢吃花生。

我 (I) 喜欢 (like) 吃 (eat) 花生 (peanuts).

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

我 (I) 喜欢 (like) 吃 (eat) 花生 (peanuts).

writing

Write 'I am allergic to peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

我对花生过敏。

Crucial survival phrase.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Crucial survival phrase.

writing

Write 'peanut butter' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

花生酱

Add 酱 (sauce) to 花生.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Add 酱 (sauce) to 花生.

writing

Write 'peanut oil' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

花生油

Add 油 (oil) to 花生.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Add 油 (oil) to 花生.

writing

Write 'a bag of peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

一包花生

Use the measure word 包.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Use the measure word 包.

writing

Write 'a plate of peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

一盘花生

Use the measure word 盘.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Use the measure word 盘.

writing

Write 'shelled peanut' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

花生米

Add 米 for the kernel.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Add 米 for the kernel.

writing

Write 'peanut shell' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

花生壳

Add 壳 for the shell.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Add 壳 for the shell.

writing

Write 'boiled peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

水煮花生

水煮 means boiled in water.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

水煮 means boiled in water.

writing

Write 'roasted peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

烤花生

烤 means roasted.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

烤 means roasted.

writing

Write 'peanut candy' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

花生糖

糖 means candy/sugar.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

糖 means candy/sugar.

writing

Write 'Do you have peanuts?' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

你有花生吗?

Simple yes/no question.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Simple yes/no question.

writing

Write 'Please don't put peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

请不要放花生。

Useful for ordering food.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Useful for ordering food.

writing

Write 'This is a peanut' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

这是花生。

Simple identification.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Simple identification.

writing

Write 'He eats peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

他吃花生。

Subject verb object.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Subject verb object.

writing

Write 'Peanuts are delicious' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

花生很好吃。

Describing food.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Describing food.

writing

Write 'I bought peanuts' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

我买了花生。

Past tense with 了.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Past tense with 了.

writing

Write 'One peanut' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

一颗花生

Using the correct measure word 颗.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Using the correct measure word 颗.

writing

Write the formal botanical name for peanut.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

落花生

Luò huā shēng.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Luò huā shēng.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Two first tones.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Important survival phrase.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Add jiang.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Add you.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Expressing preference.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Measure word bao.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Measure word pan.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Shui zhu means boiled.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Kao means roasted.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Ke means shell.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Mi means kernel.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Tang means candy.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Ordering food safely.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Asking a question.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Simple statement.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Measure word ke.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Describing price.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Describing taste.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Cultural synonym.

speaking

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

Formal name.

listening

What word did you hear?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

huā shēng means peanut.

listening

What is the speaker's medical condition?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

过敏 means allergy.

listening

What does the speaker want to buy?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

花生酱 is peanut butter.

listening

What is the speaker asking for?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

一包 means a bag.

listening

What is in the dish?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

花生米 refers to the kernels.

listening

What kind of oil is mom using?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

花生油 is peanut oil.

listening

How does the speaker like their peanuts prepared?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

水煮 means boiled.

listening

What shouldn't you eat?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

壳 means shell.

listening

What kind of candy is this?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

糖 means candy.

listening

How many peanuts did he eat?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

一颗 means one piece.

listening

Which is cheaper?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

比...便宜 means cheaper than.

listening

What is on the table?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

一盘 means a plate.

listening

What is the request?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

不要放 means don't put.

listening

What is being bought?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

生 means raw.

listening

What is Changshengguo?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

It is a synonym.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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