Potato is a fundamental ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known locally as 'Tudou'.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A versatile root vegetable widely consumed as a staple food.
- Known as 'potato' with regional names like 'Yangyu' or 'Malingshu'.
- Used in various cooking methods like stir-frying, stewing, and mashing.
Overview
- 1概述：土豆，学名马铃薯，是一种多年生草本植物的块茎。它是世界上继小麦、水稻、玉米之后的第四大粮食作物，因其适应性强、产量高且营养丰富而广受欢迎。在中国，北方地区多称其为“土豆”，南方部分地区则称其为“洋芋”或“马铃薯”。
- 1使用模式：土豆在中文语境中非常灵活。作为名词，它可以指代整颗植物的块茎，也可以指代烹饪后的成品。在句子中，它常与动词搭配，如“削土豆”、“炒土豆丝”、“炖土豆”。由于其淀粉含量高，它在饮食中常被视为碳水化合物的来源。
- 1常见语境：在家庭烹饪中，土豆是百搭食材。它可以被切丝炒制，如“酸辣土豆丝”；可以切块炖肉，如“土豆炖牛肉”；也可以蒸熟后压成泥，即“土豆泥”。此外，在快餐文化中，“炸薯条”也是以土豆为原料的典型代表。
- 1近义词比较：马铃薯（学名，书面语）、洋芋（西南地区常用）、山药蛋（山西等部分地区方言）。虽然指代同一种东西，但地域习惯不同。在正式场合或科学文本中，多使用“马铃薯”；在平民百姓的日常交流中，“土豆”最为地道。
Examples
我最喜欢吃酸辣土豆丝。
everydayI like eating sour and spicy shredded potatoes the most.
马铃薯是全球重要的粮食作物。
formalPotato is an important food crop globally.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
土豆丝
shredded potato
土豆片
potato slice
Often Confused With
Red potatoes are sweet and have a different color inside. They are biologically distinct from regular potatoes.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'Tudou' in casual and daily settings. 'Malingshu' is preferred in formal or scientific texts. It is a noun and acts as the object or subject in sentences.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse it with 'sweet potato' (Hongshu). Remember that 'Tudou' refers specifically to the common potato used in savory dishes.
Tips
Use 'Tudou' for daily conversation
When talking to friends or shopping at a market, 'Tudou' is the most natural word to use. Save 'Malingshu' for formal writing or scientific contexts.
Do not eat green potatoes
Green or sprouted potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic. Always ensure the potatoes are fresh and yellow before cooking.
The cultural icon of home cooking
'Suanla Tudousi' (Sour and spicy shredded potatoes) is considered a benchmark dish for home cooks in China. It represents simple yet delicious comfort food.
Word Origin
The term 'Tudou' literally means 'earth bean'. It describes the appearance of the tuber growing underground.
Cultural Context
Potatoes were introduced to China during the Ming Dynasty. They quickly became vital for food security due to their ability to grow in poor soil.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'To-Do' list made of potatoes to remember the sound 'Tudou'. It is a common vegetable you 'have to do' for dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions它们指的是同一种东西。土豆是民间口语，马铃薯是正式学名，两者在意思上没有区别。
土豆既可以作为蔬菜，也可以作为主食。在很多中国家庭中，它常被当作配菜食用，但在营养学上它属于高淀粉类食物。
这是地域方言的差异。中国地域辽阔，不同省份对同一种食材有不同的称呼，洋芋主要在西南地区使用。
Test Yourself
妈妈今天晚上打算做一道___炖牛肉。
土豆炖牛肉是一道经典的家常菜。
Score: /1
Summary
Potato is a fundamental ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known locally as 'Tudou'.
- A versatile root vegetable widely consumed as a staple food.
- Known as 'potato' with regional names like 'Yangyu' or 'Malingshu'.
- Used in various cooking methods like stir-frying, stewing, and mashing.
Use 'Tudou' for daily conversation
When talking to friends or shopping at a market, 'Tudou' is the most natural word to use. Save 'Malingshu' for formal writing or scientific contexts.
Do not eat green potatoes
Green or sprouted potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic. Always ensure the potatoes are fresh and yellow before cooking.
The cultural icon of home cooking
'Suanla Tudousi' (Sour and spicy shredded potatoes) is considered a benchmark dish for home cooks in China. It represents simple yet delicious comfort food.
Examples
2 of 2我最喜欢吃酸辣土豆丝。
I like eating sour and spicy shredded potatoes the most.
马铃薯是全球重要的粮食作物。
Potato is an important food crop globally.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一瓶
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一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
