Wuxiang represents the classic, aromatic, and savory flavor profile of traditional Chinese spiced cuisine.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Flavor profile using a blend of five or more aromatic spices.
- Commonly includes star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan pepper, and fennel.
- Essential for braised meats, snacks, and traditional Chinese deli items.
Overview
- 1概述：‘五香’是中国烹饪中极具代表性的复合调味风格。它不仅是指五种特定的香料，更体现了中国传统文化中‘五行’平衡的哲学，旨在通过辛、甜、酸、苦、咸五味的协调来提升食材的鲜香。2) 使用模式：在现代汉语中，‘五香’常作为定语修饰具体的食物名称，如‘五香牛肉’、‘五香豆腐干’。它也可以指代‘五香粉’这一具体的调味料。3) 常见语境：该词广泛应用于餐饮、食品包装以及家庭烹饪。在卤菜（卤味）文化中，五香是最基础且最受欢迎的口味。4) 同类词比较：与‘麻辣’相比，‘五香’侧重于香气的层次感和回甘，不具备刺激性的痛感；与‘原味’相比，它通过香料掩盖了肉类的腥膻味，增加了风味的深度。
Examples
我最喜欢吃超市卖的五香熏鱼。
everydayI like the five-spice smoked fish sold in the supermarket the most.
本产品采用传统五香工艺精制而成。
formalThis product is refined using traditional five-spice techniques.
妈，今天晚饭做个五香排骨吧。
informalMom, let's have five-spice ribs for dinner tonight.
五香调味法在宋代烹饪文献中已有记载。
academicThe five-spice seasoning method was already recorded in culinary literature of the Song Dynasty.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
五香大料
General term for the spices used in five-spice seasoning.
五香嘴
Slang for someone who loves eating flavorful, seasoned snacks.
Often Confused With
Shisanhua contains more varieties of spices (usually 13 or more) and has a more complex, stronger aroma than Wuxiang.
Luwei is a cooking method (braising in spiced liquid), while Wuxiang is specifically the flavor profile created by the spices.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '五香' is predominantly used as an adjective-like noun to modify food items. It is neutral in register and can be used in any setting, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. It implies a savory, aromatic experience without heat (spiciness).
Common Mistakes
English learners often confuse 'spiced' (aromatic) with 'spicy' (hot). '五香' is never hot/piquant unless chili is separately added. Another mistake is assuming it always contains exactly five ingredients; in modern cooking, it is a generic term for this specific aromatic style.
Tips
Understanding the core ingredients of five-spice
Knowing that it includes star anise and cinnamon helps you identify the sweet-savory scent in Chinese dishes.
Avoid overusing five-spice powder
Because it contains cloves and cinnamon, using too much can make a dish taste medicinal or bitter.
Balance of the Five Elements
The concept of 'Five Fragrances' is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, aiming for a harmony of flavors.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Chinese philosophical concept of the 'Five Elements' (Wu Xing), where balance among different forces is key to harmony—in this case, harmony of taste.
Cultural Context
In China, the scent of five-spice is often associated with traditional festivals and family reunions, as it is the base flavor for many celebratory braised dishes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Five' (五) 'Fragrances' (香) working together like a musical quintet to create a harmonious smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions通常指八角、桂皮、丁香、小茴香和花椒，但不同地区和厨师会根据口味调整比例或添加其他香料。
不一定。五香主要指香料带来的嗅觉香气，食物的咸淡取决于烹饪过程中加入的盐或酱油的量。
一般不直接食用。五香粉通常需要在烹饪过程中受热，才能充分释放其香气并与食材融合。
十三香是在五香的基础上增加了更多种类的中草药香料，味道比五香更加复杂、浓郁。
Test Yourself
超市里卖的___瓜子比原味的更香。
‘五香瓜子’是常见的零食名称，指用五香料煮制的瓜子。
选择最不符合逻辑的选项：
五香通常用于咸鲜口味的肉类、豆制品或坚果，极少用于甜点如冰淇淋。
味道 / 这种 / 很 / 五香 / 诱人 / 的
‘这种五香的味道’作为主语，‘很诱人’作为谓语部分，结构最合理。
Score: /3
Summary
Wuxiang represents the classic, aromatic, and savory flavor profile of traditional Chinese spiced cuisine.
- Flavor profile using a blend of five or more aromatic spices.
- Commonly includes star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan pepper, and fennel.
- Essential for braised meats, snacks, and traditional Chinese deli items.
Understanding the core ingredients of five-spice
Knowing that it includes star anise and cinnamon helps you identify the sweet-savory scent in Chinese dishes.
Avoid overusing five-spice powder
Because it contains cloves and cinnamon, using too much can make a dish taste medicinal or bitter.
Balance of the Five Elements
The concept of 'Five Fragrances' is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, aiming for a harmony of flavors.
Examples
4 of 4我最喜欢吃超市卖的五香熏鱼。
I like the five-spice smoked fish sold in the supermarket the most.
本产品采用传统五香工艺精制而成。
This product is refined using traditional five-spice techniques.
妈，今天晚饭做个五香排骨吧。
Mom, let's have five-spice ribs for dinner tonight.
五香调味法在宋代烹饪文献中已有记载。
The five-spice seasoning method was already recorded in culinary literature of the Song Dynasty.
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一两
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