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A2 noun 10 min read

杏仁

xìngrén
Examples 杏仁 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 杏仁 in your Level:
At the A1 level, 杏仁 (xìng rén) is a simple noun you learn when talking about food and snacks. You should know it means 'almond'. You can use it in very basic sentences like '我吃杏仁' (I eat almonds) or '我不喜欢杏仁' (I don't like almonds). At this stage, don't worry about the different types of almonds. Just remember that it is a type of '坚果' (jiānguǒ - nut). You might see it in a picture book or on a menu. The focus is on recognizing the characters and the basic meaning. Practice saying 'xìng rén' with the correct tones: a sharp drop on 'xìng' and a rising tone on 'rén'. Think of it as a healthy snack you can buy at the store.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 杏仁 in more descriptive ways. You should be able to use measure words like '颗' (kē) or '袋' (dài). For example, '我要买一袋杏仁' (I want to buy a bag of almonds). You can also describe the taste and texture using simple adjectives: '这个杏仁很脆' (This almond is very crunchy) or '杏仁很香' (Almonds are very fragrant). You might also encounter '杏仁奶' (almond milk) as a common drink. At this level, you should be aware that 杏仁 is a common ingredient in Chinese desserts like '杏仁豆腐' (almond tofu). You are beginning to see how the word fits into daily life in China, from snacks to simple desserts.
By the B1 level, you should understand the distinction between different types of 杏仁. You will learn about '甜杏仁' (sweet almonds) and '苦杏仁' (bitter almonds). You should be able to explain why someone might use them: '苦杏仁通常用来做药' (Bitter almonds are usually used for medicine). You can also use 杏仁 in more complex sentence structures, such as the '把' construction: '妈妈把杏仁放在蛋糕上面' (Mom put the almonds on top of the cake). You can discuss health benefits in a simple way: '吃杏仁对心脏有好处' (Eating almonds is good for the heart). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related items like '杏仁油' (almond oil) and '杏仁粉' (almond powder).
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At the B2 level, you can handle the botanical and cultural nuances of 杏仁. You understand that while 杏仁 is used colloquially, '扁桃仁' (biǎntáo rén) is the technical term for Western almonds. You can participate in discussions about traditional Chinese medicine where 杏仁 is mentioned as a treatment for respiratory issues. You are comfortable using the word in professional or semi-formal contexts, such as discussing food production or nutritional science. You can also understand idioms or metaphors that might involve 杏仁, such as '杏眼' (almond eyes) to describe beauty. Your ability to distinguish between 杏仁 and other nuts like '巴旦木' (Xinjiang almonds) is now clear, and you can explain these differences to others.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 杏仁's place in Chinese history and literature. You can read texts that discuss the cultivation of apricots and almonds along the Silk Road. You understand the chemical properties, such as why '苦杏仁' must be treated before consumption. You can use 杏仁 in sophisticated culinary descriptions or in-depth health articles. You are aware of the subtle differences in regional usage—for example, how 杏仁茶 is prepared differently in Beijing versus Hong Kong. You can appreciate the aesthetic value of the word in poetry or classical descriptions of nature and beauty. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including correct collocations and register.
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At the C2 level, you possess an encyclopedic knowledge of 杏仁. You can discuss its role in the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' (本草纲目) and its historical evolution as both a food and a drug. You can engage in high-level academic or botanical debates about the classification of Prunus armeniaca vs. Prunus dulcis in the Chinese context. You understand the economic impact of almond imports on the Chinese market and can analyze consumer trends involving 杏仁-based products. You can use the word with ultimate precision in any context, from creative writing to scientific research, and you understand every possible cultural association, including its presence in ancient folklore and its symbolic meaning in various Chinese regions.
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Examples

杏仁 in 30 Seconds

  • 杏仁 (xìng rén) is the Chinese word for 'almond', encompassing both the snack nut and apricot kernels.
  • It is widely used in Chinese cuisine, especially in desserts like almond tofu and traditional beverages.
  • The word can refer to 'sweet' (culinary) or 'bitter' (medicinal) kernels, requiring attention to context.
  • Commonly heard in supermarkets, cafes, and Traditional Chinese Medicine shops across the Chinese-speaking world.

The term 杏仁 (xìng rén) primarily translates to 'almond' in English, but its linguistic and cultural footprint in Chinese is far more nuanced than a simple nut name. Botanically, '杏' means apricot and '仁' means kernel or seed. Therefore, in a strict botanical sense, 杏仁 refers to the kernel found inside an apricot pit. However, in modern daily life and commercial labeling, it is the standard word used for the Western almond (Prunus dulcis). When you walk into a supermarket in Beijing or Shanghai and look for a bag of roasted almonds, the label will almost certainly say 杏仁. This dual identity is the first thing a learner must grasp: the word bridges the gap between traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients and modern global snack culture.

Culinary Classification
In Chinese cuisine, 杏仁 are categorized into two types: 'South Almonds' (南杏 - nánxìng), which are sweet and used for desserts like almond tofu, and 'North Almonds' (北杏 - běixìng), which are bitter and primarily used in traditional medicine or in small quantities for their intense aroma.

Beyond the physical seed, 杏仁 evokes a specific sensory profile in the Chinese mind. It is associated with a milky, slightly floral, and distinctively nutty fragrance. This is why you will see it in various forms: as a drink (杏仁露), as a jelly-like dessert (杏仁豆腐), or as a flavoring in biscuits. Unlike the salty, roasted context common in the West, the traditional Chinese context for 杏仁 is often sweet and soothing. It is considered a 'cooling' or 'moistening' food in traditional dietary theory, often recommended during the dry autumn months to help the lungs.

这家店的杏仁茶非常地道，闻起来有一股淡淡的清香。(This shop's almond tea is very authentic; it has a faint, fresh fragrance.)

In the modern era, the influence of Western snacks has introduced the 'flat almond' or 'Badam' (扁桃仁 - biǎntáo rén). While '扁桃仁' is the scientifically accurate term for the nuts produced in California, the general public still uses '杏仁' interchangeably. This can lead to confusion on ingredient lists, but for a language learner at the A2 level, understanding that 杏仁 covers almost everything with that characteristic almond flavor is sufficient. Whether you are ordering a latte with almond milk or buying a traditional medicinal soup packet, this word is your essential key.

Textural Usage
When used in descriptions, 杏仁 often implies a crunch (脆) or a powdery smoothness (粉末状) depending on its preparation. It is a versatile ingredient that spans the gap between a snack and a medicine.

医生建议他每天吃几颗杏仁来补充维生素E。(The doctor suggested he eat a few almonds every day to supplement Vitamin E.)

Using 杏仁 (xìng rén) in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a concrete noun. It typically functions as the object of a verb or as a modifier for other nouns. Because it represents a physical object, it is often used with measure words like '颗' (kē) for individual nuts or '袋' (dài) for bags. At the A2 level, you should focus on simple SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) structures and basic descriptions. For example, '我喜欢吃杏仁' (I like to eat almonds) is a perfect starting point.

As a Direct Object
You will most frequently use 杏仁 as the object of consumption verbs like 吃 (eat), 喝 (drink - for almond milk), or 买 (buy). Example: '你在超市买了杏仁吗？' (Did you buy almonds at the supermarket?)

When describing the properties of 杏仁, you can use adjectives like '香' (fragrant), '脆' (crunchy), or '苦' (bitter). Note that the distinction between sweet and bitter almonds is grammatically handled by placing the adjective before the noun: '甜杏仁' (sweet almonds) vs '苦杏仁' (bitter almonds). In more advanced structures, you might use the '把' construction to describe processing the nuts: '请把这些杏仁磨成粉' (Please grind these almonds into powder).

这种杏仁饼干的味道非常浓郁。(The flavor of these almond cookies is very rich.)

Another common usage is in the context of health and nutrition. You might hear people say '杏仁对身体有好处' (Almonds are good for the body). Here, the structure '对...有好处' (is beneficial for...) is a common way to express the nutritional value of foods. As you progress, you can combine 杏仁 with other ingredients using '和' (and) or '跟' (with), such as '杏仁和核桃' (almonds and walnuts).

In Comparisons
You can compare almonds to other nuts using the '比' (bǐ) structure. Example: '杏仁比花生贵一点。' (Almonds are a bit more expensive than peanuts.)

我不小心把杏仁掉在地上了。(I accidentally dropped the almonds on the floor.)

In a Chinese-speaking environment, you will encounter the word 杏仁 in several distinct settings. The most common is the **supermarket or convenience store**. Walking down the snack aisle, you will see bags of roasted nuts. The labels will prominently feature '杏仁'. If you are in a bakery, you might see '杏仁片' (almond slices) on top of cakes or '杏仁酥' (almond shortbread) in the pastry case. These are everyday occurrences where the word is used in a purely commercial and culinary sense.

Traditional Beverage Shops
In cities like Beijing or Hong Kong, you will find shops selling '杏仁露' (almond dew) or '杏仁茶' (almond tea). These are hot or cold milky drinks made from ground apricot kernels. The smell is very strong and distinctive, often described as 'marzipan-like'.

Another place you will hear this word is in the **Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pharmacy**. If someone has a persistent cough, the practitioner might mention '北杏仁' (North Almond/Bitter Apricot Kernel) as part of a herbal formula. In this context, the word takes on a medicinal tone. The practitioner might warn you not to eat them raw, as bitter almonds contain natural toxins that need to be neutralized through boiling. This highlights the importance of context: in a snack bag, 杏仁 is a treat; in a medicine bowl, it is a potent ingredient.

服务员，请给我一杯热的杏仁露。(Waiter, please give me a cup of hot almond dew.)

You may also hear it in **beauty and skincare** conversations. Almond oil (杏仁油) is a popular ingredient in moisturizers and massage oils. In high-end spas or skincare aisles, you'll hear '这种乳液含有天然杏仁油' (This lotion contains natural almond oil). Finally, in modern cafes, '杏仁奶' (almond milk) has become a common dairy alternative. When ordering coffee, you might ask, '可以把牛奶换成杏仁奶吗？' (Can I change the milk to almond milk?). This demonstrates how the word has transitioned from traditional roots to modern lifestyle trends.

At the Breakfast Table
In northern China, '杏仁茶' is a classic breakfast item, often served thick and hot with nuts and dried fruits mixed in. Hearing this word in the morning usually signals a warm, comforting start to the day.

超市里的杏仁正在打折，我们要不要多买两袋？(The almonds in the supermarket are on sale; should we buy two more bags?)

One of the most significant mistakes learners make with 杏仁 (xìng rén) involves the **botanical confusion** between real almonds and apricot kernels. While both are called 杏仁 in casual Chinese, they are different species. If you are looking for specifically 'American Almonds' (Prunus dulcis) in a scientific or highly specific culinary context, the word is 扁桃仁 (biǎntáo rén). Using 杏仁 is usually fine, but if you see 扁桃仁 on a package, don't be confused—it's just the more technical name for what you know as an almond.

The Bitter Almond Danger
A critical error is not distinguishing between 'Sweet Almonds' (甜杏仁) and 'Bitter Almonds' (苦杏仁). Bitter almonds (often actually apricot kernels) contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when eaten raw. Never assume all 杏仁 bought in a traditional market are ready to eat as a snack. Always check if they are for cooking/medicine or for direct consumption.

Another common mistake is **tonal errors**. The pinyin is xìng rén (fourth tone, second tone). Many learners accidentally say 'xíng rén' (second tone, second tone), which sounds like 行人 (pedestrian). Telling someone you like to 'eat pedestrians' (吃行人) instead of 'eat almonds' (吃杏仁) is a classic, albeit embarrassing, beginner mistake. Pay close attention to the sharp, falling tone on 'xìng'.

错误：我想喝一杯行人奶。(Mistake: I want to drink a cup of pedestrian milk.)

Learners also frequently confuse 杏仁 with other nuts. Because many Chinese nut names end in '仁' (meaning kernel), it's easy to mix them up. For example, 核桃仁 (hétáo rén - walnut kernel), 虾仁 (xiārén - shrimp meat/kernel), and 花生仁 (huāshēng rén - peanut kernel). Remember that '杏' refers specifically to the apricot/almond family. Don't use 杏仁 as a generic word for 'nut'; the generic word is 坚果 (jiānguǒ).

Measure Word Misuse
Using the wrong measure word can make your Chinese sound unnatural. For single almonds, use '颗' (kē). Avoid using '个' (gè), which is too generic, although understandable. For almond slices, use '片' (piàn).

注意：并不是所有的杏仁都可以直接生吃。(Note: Not all almonds/apricot kernels can be eaten raw.)

To broaden your vocabulary, it's helpful to look at words related to 杏仁 (xìng rén) within the 'nut' and 'seed' categories. While 杏仁 is specific, you will often find it grouped with other 坚果 (jiānguǒ - nuts). Understanding the differences between these will help you navigate menus and grocery stores more effectively. Each of these alternatives has a specific texture and flavor profile that distinguishes it from the almond.

扁桃仁 (biǎntáo rén)
Comparison: This is the technically correct term for the Western almond. While 杏仁 is used 90% of the time in casual speech, 扁桃仁 is what you will see on import/export documents and some high-end packaging. It literally means 'flat peach kernel'.
核桃 (hétáo)
Comparison: Walnut. These are often compared to 杏仁 because both are considered 'brain foods' in China. Walnuts are much larger, have a brain-like shape, and a more bitter skin compared to the smooth skin of an almond.
腰果 (yāoguǒ)
Comparison: Cashew. Cashews are softer and creamier than almonds. In Chinese stir-fries, you might see '腰果鸡丁' (cashew chicken), where almonds are rarely used as a substitute.

If you are looking for alternatives in terms of flavor, you might consider 榛子 (zhēnzi - hazelnut) or 碧根果 (bìgēnguǒ - pecan). The latter has become extremely popular in China recently and is often sold in the same sections as 杏仁. For those with allergies, 葵花籽 (kuíhuāzǐ - sunflower seeds) or 南瓜籽 (nánguāzǐ - pumpkin seeds) are common 'kernel' alternatives that provide a similar crunch.

比起杏仁，我更喜欢吃腰果，因为腰果更软。(Compared to almonds, I prefer eating cashews because they are softer.)

Lastly, consider the word 仁 (rén) itself. It appears in many culinary terms. For instance, 虾仁 (xiārén) refers to shelled shrimp, and 松子仁 (sōngzǐ rén) refers to pine nut kernels. This suffix always indicates that the outer shell has been removed, leaving the edible 'heart' or 'kernel' of the item. Mastering this pattern will help you decipher many Chinese food names beyond just 杏仁.

Summary Table
杏仁 (Almond/Apricot Kernel), 扁桃仁 (Technical Almond), 巴旦木 (Xinjiang Almond), 坚果 (Nuts - generic).

超市里有各种各样的坚果，比如杏仁、核桃和榛子。(The supermarket has various kinds of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.)

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Examples by Level

1

我喜欢吃杏仁。

I like eating almonds.

Simple SVO structure: Subject (我) + Verb (喜欢吃) + Object (杏仁).

2

这是杏仁吗？

Is this an almond?

Basic question using 吗.

3

杏仁不贵。

Almonds are not expensive.

Subject + 不 + Adjective.

4

他有三个杏仁。

He has three almonds.

Use of the general measure word 个, though 颗 is more precise.

5

我不买杏仁。

I am not buying almonds.

Negative statement with 不.

6

杏仁很好吃。

Almonds are delicious.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

7

你要杏仁吗？

Do you want almonds?

Verb 要 (to want) in a question.

8

这里有很多杏仁。

There are many almonds here.

Existence sentence with 有.

1

这袋杏仁多少钱？

How much is this bag of almonds?

Measure word 袋 (bag) + 多少钱 (how much money).

2

我想喝一杯杏仁奶。

I want to drink a cup of almond milk.

Measure word 杯 (cup) + Compound noun 杏仁奶.

3

杏仁比花生更脆。

Almonds are crunchier than peanuts.

Comparison structure: A 比 B + Adjective.

4

医生说吃杏仁对身体好。

The doctor said eating almonds is good for the body.

Structure: 对...好 (good for...).

5

请给我几颗杏仁。

Please give me a few almonds.

Measure word 颗 (small round objects) + 几 (a few).

6

他在蛋糕里放了杏仁。

He put almonds in the cake.

Prepositional phrase 在...里 (inside).

7

这种杏仁的味道很甜。

The taste of this kind of almond is very sweet.

Possessive particle 的 used with 味道 (taste).

8

我不喜欢吃苦的杏仁。

I don't like eating bitter almonds.

Adjective 苦 (bitter) modifying 杏仁.

1

如果你咳嗽，可以喝点杏仁茶。

If you have a cough, you can drink some almond tea.

Conditional sentence with 如果...可以.

2

把这些杏仁磨成粉再用。

Grind these almonds into powder before using them.

把 construction + resultative complement 磨成 (grind into).

3

杏仁豆腐是北京的一种著名甜点。

Almond tofu is a famous dessert in Beijing.

Noun phrase acting as a subject.

4

他在超市买了各种各样的杏仁。

He bought all kinds of almonds at the supermarket.

Idiom 各种各样 (various kinds).

5

虽然杏仁很健康，但也不能吃太多。

Although almonds are healthy, you shouldn't eat too many.

Conjunction 虽然...但 (although... but).

6

这种护肤霜含有天然的杏仁油。

This skin cream contains natural almond oil.

Verb 含有 (to contain).

7

为了增加口感，我加了一些杏仁片。

To improve the texture, I added some almond slices.

Purpose clause 为了 (in order to).

8

杏仁的营养价值非常高。

The nutritional value of almonds is very high.

Abstract noun 营养价值 (nutritional value).

1

市面上卖的美国大杏仁其实是扁桃仁。

The 'American big almonds' sold on the market are actually badam/flat peach kernels.

Adverb 其实 (actually) clarifying a common misconception.

2

苦杏仁在食用前必须经过处理以去除毒性。

Bitter almonds must be processed before consumption to remove toxicity.

Passive-like structure 经过处理 (undergo processing).

3

她长着一双漂亮的杏眼，看起来很有神。

She has a pair of beautiful almond eyes, looking very spirited.

Metaphorical use of 杏 to describe eye shape.

4

杏仁在传统中药中常用于润肺止咳。

Almonds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine to moisten the lungs and stop coughing.

Formal usage 常用于 (commonly used for).

5

随着健康意识的提高，杏仁奶越来越受欢迎。

With the increase in health awareness, almond milk is becoming more and more popular.

Structure 随着...越来越 (along with... more and more).

6

这些杏仁是经过低温烘焙的，保留了原味。

These almonds are low-temperature roasted, preserving their original flavor.

是...的 construction emphasizing the method.

7

杏仁中的单不饱和脂肪酸对心血管有益。

The monounsaturated fatty acids in almonds are beneficial for the cardiovascular system.

Technical term 单不饱和脂肪酸 (monounsaturated fatty acid).

8

由于过敏，他从来不吃任何含有杏仁的食物。

Due to allergies, he never eats any food containing almonds.

Cause-effect structure 由于 (due to).

1

杏仁的苦味源于其中的苦杏仁苷，这是一种天然防御机制。

The bitterness of almonds stems from the amygdalin within them, which is a natural defense mechanism.

Formal verb 源于 (stems from).

2

在古代文学中，杏仁常被用来比喻女子的容貌。

In ancient literature, almonds were often used as a metaphor for a woman's appearance.

Passive voice 被用来 (be used to).

3

这种高端洗发水提取了杏仁精华，能深层滋养秀发。

This high-end shampoo extracts almond essence, which can deeply nourish hair.

Verb 提取 (extract) and 滋养 (nourish).

4

尽管价格不菲，但野生杏仁因其独特的风味仍备受推崇。

Despite the high price, wild almonds are still highly regarded for their unique flavor.

Formal phrase 价格不菲 (not cheap) and 备受推崇 (highly praised).

5

杏仁在我国的栽培历史悠久，最早可追溯到几千年前。

The cultivation history of almonds in our country is long, dating back thousands of years.

Time expression 可追溯到 (can be traced back to).

6

他在论文中深入探讨了杏仁在现代食品工业中的应用。

In his thesis, he deeply explored the application of almonds in the modern food industry.

Academic phrase 深入探讨 (deeply explore).

7

这种杏仁露采用了传统的石磨工艺，口感格外细腻。

This almond dew uses traditional stone-grinding techniques, making the texture exceptionally smooth.

Noun phrase 石磨工艺 (stone-grinding craft).

8

杏仁的香气在烘烤过程中会发生复杂的化学反应。

The aroma of almonds undergoes complex chemical reactions during the roasting process.

Formal noun phrase 化学反应 (chemical reaction).

1

杏仁作为食药同源的典型，体现了中医“治未病”的思想。

As a classic example of food and medicine sharing the same origin, almonds embody the TCM philosophy of 'treating diseases before they arise'.

Sophisticated concept 食药同源 (food and medicine from the same source).

2

其果仁之香，非寻常坚果所能比拟，带有一种清冷而持久的韵味。

The fragrance of its kernel cannot be matched by ordinary nuts, carrying a cool and lasting charm.

Literary structure 非...所能比拟 (cannot be compared to).

3

在干旱贫瘠的土地上，杏树依然能结出饱满的杏仁，展现了顽强的生命力。

On arid and barren land, the apricot tree can still produce plump almonds, demonstrating tenacious vitality.

Descriptive adjectives 饱满 (plump) and 顽强 (tenacious).

4

通过现代光谱分析，我们能更精准地检测杏仁中的微量元素。

Through modern spectral analysis, we can more accurately detect trace elements in almonds.

Technical term 光谱分析 (spectral analysis).

5

杏仁在东西方饮食文化中的角色演变，反映了全球贸易的变迁。

The evolution of the role of almonds in Eastern and Western food cultures reflects the changes in global trade.

Abstract concept 角色演变 (evolution of roles).

6

那种独特的杏仁苦，往往是识别正宗杏仁豆腐的关键所在。

That unique almond bitterness is often the key to identifying authentic almond tofu.

Structure ...的关键所在 (the key point of...).

7

随着生物技术的进步，改良品种的杏仁在产量和品质上都有了质的飞跃。

With advancements in biotechnology, improved almond varieties have seen a qualitative leap in yield and quality.

Idiom 质的飞跃 (qualitative leap).

8

杏仁的油脂含量极高，是提取植物性精油的理想原料。

The oil content of almonds is extremely high, making them an ideal raw material for extracting vegetable essential oils.

Formal phrase 油脂含量 (oil content).

Common Collocations

吃杏仁
杏仁奶
杏仁豆腐
一袋杏仁
杏仁片
杏仁油
杏仁露
苦杏仁
杏仁粉
烤杏仁

Common Phrases

杏仁饼

— Almond cookies or biscuits, a popular souvenir in Macau and Hong Kong.

去澳门旅游一定要买杏仁饼。

杏仁茶

— A traditional Chinese sweet almond soup/tea, often served hot.

老北京人喜欢喝杏仁茶。

杏仁酥

— Almond shortbread or flaky pastry.

这种杏仁酥入口即化。

杏仁酱

— Almond butter, used as a spread.

我喜欢在面包上抹杏仁酱。

杏仁碎

— C

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

almond English बादाम Hindi
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