A1 noun Neutral #3,500 most common 1 min read

饺子

jiǎozi /tɕjaʊ.tsə/
Practice it

Jiaozi is a symbolic, versatile, and beloved traditional Chinese dumpling representing family unity.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • A traditional Chinese dish with fillings wrapped in dough.
  • Commonly eaten during festivals like Chinese New Year.
  • Can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried.

Overview

  1. 1概览：饺子是中国最具代表性的传统美食之一，历史悠久，象征着团圆和财富。其外形像元宝，因此在农历新年等重要节日，吃饺子是许多中国家庭必不可少的习俗。2) 使用场景：饺子既可以作为家常主食，也可以作为宴请客人的特色菜。人们常说“好吃不过饺子”，表达了对这种食物的喜爱。3) 常见搭配：在口语中，我们常说“包饺子”、“煮饺子”或“吃饺子”。根据烹饪方式不同，还有“蒸饺”、“煎饺”和“水饺”之分。4) 词汇辨析：虽然“包子”也是面食，但包子通常是发酵面团且体积较大，而饺子皮薄馅嫩，烹饪方式以水煮为主。与馄饨相比，饺子的馅料更丰富，且饺子皮通常不含碱，口感更劲道。

Examples

1

我最喜欢吃妈妈包的饺子。

everyday

I like the dumplings my mom makes the most.

2

春节期间，北方人有吃饺子的习俗。

formal

During the Spring Festival, northerners have the custom of eating dumplings.

3

走，咱们去吃饺子吧！

informal

Let's go eat dumplings!

4

饺子作为中国饮食文化的符号，具有深厚的历史底蕴。

academic

As a symbol of Chinese food culture, dumplings have deep historical roots.

Common Collocations

包饺子 to make/wrap dumplings
煮饺子 to boil dumplings
饺子馅 dumpling filling

Common Phrases

好吃不过饺子

There is no food better than dumplings.

热腾腾的饺子

Steaming hot dumplings.

饺子就酒

Drinking alcohol while eating dumplings.

Often Confused With

饺子 vs 包子

Baozi are leavened, steamed buns that are larger and thicker than dumplings. Jiaozi are unleavened and typically boiled.

饺子 vs 馄饨

Wontons are smaller, have thinner skin, and are served in soup. They are usually considered a snack rather than a main meal.

Grammar Patterns

我喜欢吃[馅料]的饺子 把饺子[煮/蒸/煎]熟 一盘饺子

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Jiaozi is a neutral, everyday term. In formal settings, you might describe them as a 'traditional dish'. It is almost always used as a countable noun when referring to individual dumplings.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often confuse '包' (wrap) with '做' (make). While '做' is acceptable, '包' is the native-sounding verb for dumplings. Also, avoid using '饺子' to refer to any type of bun.

Tips

💡

Use the right verbs

Remember to use '包' (bāo) for making dumplings and '煮' (zhǔ) for boiling them. These are the most common collocations.

⚠️

Don't confuse with buns

Ensure you don't call steamed buns '饺子'. Steamed buns are '包子' (bāozi), which are leavened and much larger.

🌍

Symbolism of unity

Making dumplings together is a communal activity that strengthens family bonds. It is a cornerstone of Chinese social culture.

Word Origin

The word '饺子' (jiǎozi) evolved from '角子' (jiǎozǐ), referring to its horn-like shape. Historically, it was associated with the transition between the old year and the new year.

Cultural Context

Dumplings are the quintessential symbol of Chinese New Year, representing wealth and the reunion of family members. Eating them is a ritual that connects people to their heritage.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Jiao' sound as 'Joy'—eating dumplings brings joy to the family. The shape looks like a smile, reminding you of happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

饺子的皮通常较厚且不加碱，馅料较多，主要作为主食。馄饨皮薄如纸，汤底丰富，通常被视为点心或小吃。

因为饺子的形状像古代的元宝，寓意着招财进宝。同时，“饺子”与“交子”谐音，代表新旧交替，象征团圆和好运。

最常见的有猪肉白菜馅、韭菜鸡蛋馅、牛肉大葱馅等。人们也可以根据个人口味添加虾仁或香菇。

当饺子全部浮在水面上，且皮变得半透明、肚子鼓起时，通常就表示已经煮熟了。

Test Yourself

fill blank

今天晚上我们全家人一起在家___饺子。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 包

制作饺子的过程叫‘包饺子’。

multiple choice

下列选项中哪一个是发酵面团做的？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 包子

包子通常使用发酵面团。

sentence building

爱 / 我 / 吃 / 饺子

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我爱吃饺子

标准的中文主谓宾结构。

Score: /3

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

만두 Korean 団子 Japanese
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