Use it to suggest enjoying food or activities while the temperature remains refreshingly cool.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Consume while still cold or refreshing.
- Commonly used for cold drinks and summer snacks.
- Emphasizes taking advantage of a low temperature.
Overview
- 1概览：“趁凉”是一个由介词“趁”（利用时间或机会）和形容词“凉”（凉爽、温度低）组成的词组，在句子中常充当状语。它强调动作的及时性，即在温度升高、失去清凉感之前完成某事。2) 用法模式：最常见的结构是“趁凉 + 动词”，如“趁凉吃”、“趁凉喝”。它主要用于描述饮食习惯，但在特定语境下也可以指代天气。3) 常见语境：在夏季，人们会互相提醒“趁凉喝这碗绿豆汤”或“趁凉吃这口西瓜”，以保证口感最佳。此外，在清晨或傍晚天气还没变热时出门，也可以说“趁凉快出去走走”。4) 词义辨析：“趁凉”与“趁热”互为反义词。中国饮食文化讲究“趁热吃”以保香气，但在消暑食品上，则强调“趁凉”，因为一旦温度升高，口感和解暑效果都会大打折扣。
Examples
这瓶可乐刚从冰箱拿出来，你趁凉喝吧。
everydayThis Coke just came out of the fridge; drink it while it's still cold.
夏天吃凉面一定要趁凉，味道才正宗。
informalYou must eat cold noodles while they are cool for the most authentic taste in summer.
清晨的空气很清新，我们趁凉快去公园散步。
everydayThe morning air is fresh; let's take a walk in the park while it's still cool.
厨师建议这道甜品应趁凉食用，以保持其独特的口感。
formalThe chef suggests this dessert should be consumed while cool to maintain its unique texture.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
趁凉快点儿
Hurry up while it's still cool
趁凉入席
Take a seat while it is cool (less common)
Often Confused With
Used for food that is best served hot, like soup or dumplings, whereas '趁凉' is for cold items.
Usually refers to pleasant weather or a feeling, while '趁凉' is an action-oriented phrase focused on timing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly productive in spoken Chinese during summer. It is neutral in register and can be used with friends, family, or in service industries (like restaurants). It strictly follows the 'Chèn + Condition + Action' grammar pattern.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake for learners is using '趁凉' for foods that are traditionally eaten hot in China, even if the person personally prefers them lukewarm. Also, remember that '凉' implies a pleasant coolness, not freezing cold (though it can apply to iced items).
Tips
Use it for summer hospitality
When serving a guest a cold drink in summer, saying '趁凉喝' sounds very natural and hospitable.
Don't confuse with Chèn Rè
Make sure the item is meant to be cold. Using '趁凉' for soup would imply you want it to become cold first, which is unusual.
The importance of temperature
Chinese culture values the 'proper' temperature for food. '趁凉' is the summer equivalent of the ubiquitous '趁热吃'.
Word Origin
'趁' (chèn) originally meant to pursue or follow, evolving into 'taking advantage of'. '凉' (liáng) depicts water and ice, representing coolness.
Cultural Context
In Chinese food therapy (Yang Sheng), temperature is vital. While 'Chèn Rè' is often advised for digestion, 'Chèn Liáng' is the specific exception for summer 'cooling' foods meant to dispel internal heat.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Chèn' as 'Catching' a fleeting moment. 'Liang' is the 'Coolness'. Catch the coolness before it runs away!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions虽然最常用于饮食（如冷饮、凉菜），但也可以引申用于天气，比如“趁凉快去跑步”，意思是在气温升高前完成活动。
“趁凉”听起来更舒服、更具吸引力，强调“清凉”；“趁冷”则比较少见，有时带有“寒冷”的意思，不如“趁凉”常用。
这个词属于中性偏口语，在日常生活中非常常见。在正式的餐饮评论或文学描述中也可以使用，但通常不用于严谨的学术报告。
它是一个灵活的短语结构，由“趁”字领衔，类似的还有“趁热”、“趁早”、“趁机”。
Test Yourself
这冰淇淋快化了，你快___吃了吧。
冰淇淋（ice cream）是冷的，快化了说明温度在升高，所以要“趁凉”吃。
选择最恰当的场景：
西瓜通常冷藏后食用口感更佳，适合用“趁凉”。其他三项都是热食。
喝 / 绿豆汤 / 吧 / 趁凉 / 这碗
“趁凉”作为状语通常放在动词“喝”之前，形成“趁凉喝...”的结构。
Score: /3
Summary
Use it to suggest enjoying food or activities while the temperature remains refreshingly cool.
- Consume while still cold or refreshing.
- Commonly used for cold drinks and summer snacks.
- Emphasizes taking advantage of a low temperature.
Use it for summer hospitality
When serving a guest a cold drink in summer, saying '趁凉喝' sounds very natural and hospitable.
Don't confuse with Chèn Rè
Make sure the item is meant to be cold. Using '趁凉' for soup would imply you want it to become cold first, which is unusual.
The importance of temperature
Chinese culture values the 'proper' temperature for food. '趁凉' is the summer equivalent of the ubiquitous '趁热吃'.
Examples
4 of 4这瓶可乐刚从冰箱拿出来，你趁凉喝吧。
This Coke just came out of the fridge; drink it while it's still cold.
夏天吃凉面一定要趁凉，味道才正宗。
You must eat cold noodles while they are cool for the most authentic taste in summer.
清晨的空气很清新，我们趁凉快去公园散步。
The morning air is fresh; let's take a walk in the park while it's still cool.
厨师建议这道甜品应趁凉食用，以保持其独特的口感。
The chef suggests this dessert should be consumed while cool to maintain its unique texture.
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