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A2 adjective #3,500 most common 9 min read

辛辣

xīnlà Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 辛辣 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 辛辣 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know the basic character '辣' (là), which means 'spicy' or 'hot.' You might see '辛辣' (xīnlà) on food packaging, but you don't need to use it in your own speech yet. Just remember that if you see '辣' on a menu, the food will be hot! If you see '辛辣' in a textbook, it's just a more formal way of saying the food has a strong, sharp taste like ginger or onions. Don't worry about the metaphorical meanings yet; just focus on the 'hot' sensation in your mouth when you eat certain Chinese dishes.

At the A2 level, you can start using '辛辣' (xīnlà) to describe food more accurately. While '辣' (là) is for chili peppers, '辛辣' is for things like garlic, onions, and ginger that have a 'sharp' or 'pungent' smell and taste. You can use it in simple sentences like '我不喜欢辛辣的食物' (I don't like pungent/spicy food). It's a useful word when you are at a restaurant or talking about your cooking habits. It sounds a bit more 'grown-up' and descriptive than just saying '辣' all the time. You might also hear a doctor or a teacher use it when talking about healthy eating habits.

By B1, you should understand that '辛辣' (xīnlà) isn't just about taste; it's also about smell. You can use it to describe a strong, stinging aroma. For example, '厨房里有一股辛辣的味道' (There is a pungent smell in the kitchen). You should also begin to recognize its use in describing speech or writing, though you might not use it that way yourself yet. If you hear someone say a movie review was '辛辣,' they mean it was very sharp and critical. This level is about bridging the gap between the literal kitchen usage and the more abstract social usage.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '辛辣' (xīnlà) in its metaphorical sense. You should be able to describe a piece of writing, a political cartoon, or a sarcastic comment as '辛辣.' For instance, '他的讽刺非常辛辣' (His irony is very biting). You understand the nuance that '辛辣' implies a certain level of wit and directness. You can also distinguish it from '尖刻' (jiānkè - caustic/mean), knowing that '辛辣' can often be a positive description of a writer's bold style. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to use this word in essays to describe social commentary.

At the C1 level, you use '辛辣' (xīnlà) with precision in academic and professional contexts. You can analyze literary works and describe an author's '辛辣的笔触' (biting brushstrokes/writing style). You understand its historical roots in the Five Elements and Traditional Chinese Medicine, knowing why certain herbs are classified as '辛' and how that affects the body. You can use the word to describe complex social phenomena or nuanced rhetorical strategies in a debate. You are comfortable using it as an adverb ('辛辣地批评') to add intensity to your descriptions of critique.

At the C2 level, '辛辣' (xīnlà) is a tool for subtle expression. You can use it to discuss the evolution of satire in Chinese literature, from the classical era to modern social media. You understand the cultural weight of the word—how it relates to the concept of 'eating bitterness' (吃苦) and the value placed on direct, albeit painful, truth-telling. You can use it to describe the 'pungency' of a historical era or the 'stinging' irony of a complex social situation. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the word's full range of literal, metaphorical, and cultural connotations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

辛辣 in 30 Seconds

辛辣 means 'pungent' or 'spicy' literally, and 'biting' or 'caustic' metaphorically.
Commonly used for ingredients like ginger, garlic, and onions that sting.
Frequently describes sharp social criticism or satirical writing styles.
A more formal and descriptive alternative to the simple word '辣' (hot).

The Chinese term 辛辣 (xīnlà) is a multifaceted adjective that primarily describes a specific sensory experience of taste and smell, but it extends significantly into the realm of abstract characterization. At its most literal level, it refers to food or substances that are pungent, hot, or spicy. Unlike the simpler word '辣' (là), which often just means 'hot' like a chili pepper, '辛辣' encompasses a broader range of 'sharp' flavors, including the pungency of garlic, onions, ginger, and mustard. The character '辛' (xīn) historically referred to a sharp, bitter, or pungent taste associated with metal in the Five Elements theory, while '辣' (là) focuses on the burning sensation. Together, they create a word that suggests a flavor that is not just hot, but piercing and intense.

Culinary Context: In the kitchen, you use this to describe ingredients like raw onions, radishes, or strong ginger that make your eyes water or sting your tongue.

这种洋葱的味道非常辛辣，切的时候让我流泪了。(The taste of this onion is very pungent; it made me cry while cutting it.)

Beyond the physical sensation of eating, xīnlà is frequently employed in a metaphorical sense to describe speech, writing, or criticism that is 'biting,' 'caustic,' or 'incisive.' When a journalist writes a report that ruthlessly exposes corruption, or when a satirist mocks social follies with sharp wit, their style is described as 辛辣. This usage implies that the words have a 'sting' to them, much like the physical sting of a hot pepper. It suggests a lack of sugar-coating and a direct, often uncomfortable, confrontation with the truth. In social settings, someone with a '辛辣' tongue is someone who doesn't hold back their opinions, often using sarcasm or bluntness to make a point.

Literary Usage: Used to describe the 'sharp' pen of an author like Lu Xun, whose social critiques were famously 辛辣.

他的评论风格辛辣，直指社会弊端。(His commentary style is biting, pointing directly at social ills.)

In everyday conversation, while an A2 learner might start by using it for food, understanding its transition into describing personality and media is key to reaching higher proficiency. It is a word that carries weight; it isn't just about 'heat,' but about the 'sharpness' of that heat. Whether it's the smell of a strong spice market or the tone of a heated debate, 辛辣 captures that intense, stinging quality that demands attention. It is rarely used for mild or subtle things; it is a word for the bold, the strong, and the piercing.

Using 辛辣 effectively requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as an adjective. It most commonly functions as an attributive adjective (modifying a noun) or a predicative adjective (following a linking verb or '很'). When modifying a noun, it often takes the particle '的' (de), as in '辛辣的食物' (spicy food) or '辛辣的讽刺' (biting irony). Because it is a two-syllable adjective, it sounds formal and descriptive, making it suitable for both written essays and thoughtful conversation.

Structure: Noun + 很/非常 + 辛辣: This describes the quality of a subject directly. For example: '这道菜的味道很辛辣。' (The flavor of this dish is very pungent.)

由于加入了大量的生姜，汤的味道变得非常辛辣。(Due to the addition of a large amount of ginger, the soup's taste became very pungent.)

When used metaphorically, it often pairs with nouns related to expression, such as 语言 (yǔyán - language), 文字 (wénzì - writing), 评论 (pínglùn - commentary), or 讽刺 (fěngcì - irony/satire). In these cases, it indicates a style that is sharp and perhaps a bit painful to hear for the person being criticized. For instance, '辛辣的笔调' (a biting writing style) suggests that the author uses words like a scalpel to cut through pretension.

这部电影通过辛辣的幽默揭露了人性的弱点。(This movie reveals human weaknesses through biting humor.)

In more advanced contexts, you might see it used to describe smells (辛辣的气味). This is particularly common when discussing chemicals, strong spices, or even air pollution that 'stings' the nose. It's important to note that while '辣' is almost always positive or neutral in a culinary sense in China, '辛辣' in a metaphorical sense can be seen as either a compliment (to a brave critic) or a complaint (about someone being too harsh). Context is everything when interpreting the intent behind the word.

You will encounter 辛辣 in several distinct environments. First, in the culinary world, it appears on menus and in food reviews. If you are watching a Chinese cooking show like 'A Bite of China' (舌尖上的中国), the narrator might use '辛辣' to describe the complex aroma of Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, and fresh ginger being sautéed in a wok. It conveys a professional, sensory depth that the simple word '辣' lacks.

In the Media: News anchors or political commentators often use this word to describe a 'sharp' or 'stinging' retort during a debate or a particularly aggressive editorial piece.

记者提出了一个辛辣的问题，让发言人一时语塞。(The reporter asked a biting question, leaving the spokesperson temporarily speechless.)

Second, in literary and artistic circles, '辛辣' is a standard term for describing satire. If you read literary criticism in Chinese, you will see it used to characterize the works of famous authors like Lu Xun or Qian Zhongshu. Their writing is praised for its '辛辣' quality—its ability to sting the reader into awareness of social hypocrisy. In film reviews, a comedy that uses dark or sharp humor might be described as having a '辛辣的讽刺意味' (a biting sense of irony).

这种调料散发着一种辛辣而诱人的香气。(This seasoning gives off a pungent yet inviting aroma.)

Third, in medical or scientific contexts, '辛辣' is used to describe the properties of certain herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM classifies flavors (五味 - wǔwèi), and '辛' is one of the primary five. Herbs that are '辛' are believed to help circulate Qi and blood, often by inducing sweating. Therefore, a TCM doctor might advise a patient to avoid '辛辣食物' (pungent/spicy foods) if they have a certain condition, such as a sore throat or an 'internal heat' imbalance. This makes it a common term in health-related discussions among Chinese speakers.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 辛辣 is overusing it in place of the simpler word 辣 (là). While '辛辣' is technically correct for spicy food, it is a formal, more descriptive term. If you are just telling a friend that the noodles are hot, saying '这面很辛辣' sounds a bit like you are writing a food review or a medical textbook. In casual conversation, '很辣' (hěn là) is much more natural.

Mistake: Confusing with '苦' (kǔ): Because '辛' (xīn) historically relates to 'bitterness' or 'toil' in some contexts, beginners sometimes confuse it with '苦' (bitter). Remember: '辛辣' is the sting of a pepper or onion; '苦' is the taste of dark chocolate or medicine.

Incorrect: 这种咖啡的味道很辛辣。(This coffee is very pungent.)
Correct: 这种咖啡的味道很苦。(This coffee is very bitter.)

Another mistake is using '辛辣' to describe a person's personality directly, as in '他是一个辛辣的人' (He is a pungent person). While you can describe a person's *style* or *words* as 辛辣, describing the person themselves this way is rare and can be confusing. To describe a person who is bold and sharp, you might use '泼辣' (pōlà), which shares the '辣' character but implies a fiery, outspoken personality, often used for women.

Incorrect: 他的性格很辛辣。
Correct: 他的评论风格很辛辣。

Finally, be careful with the intensity. '辛辣' implies a high degree of sharpness. If you use it to describe a mild salsa or a gentle suggestion, it will sound hyperbolic. It is a word reserved for things that truly 'bite.' In writing, ensure you aren't just using it because it sounds 'fancy'; use it because the subject matter genuinely has a piercing, pungent, or caustic quality that requires a stronger word than '辣' or '尖锐' (jiānruì - sharp).

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 辛辣 helps you choose the exact nuance you need. The most obvious alternative is 辣 (là), which is the general word for spicy. While 辛辣 is pungent and sharp, 辣 is simply hot. You use '辣' for your daily noodles and '辛辣' when discussing the complex profile of a spice blend or a sharp critique.

辛辣 vs. 犀利 (xīlì): '犀利' means sharp or incisive, like a blade. It is used for eyes (犀利的目光) or arguments. While '辛辣' implies a sting or burn, '犀利' implies a clean cut. A 辛辣 criticism might be more insulting or sarcastic, whereas a 犀利 criticism is logically piercing.

他的文章不仅观点犀利，语言也十分辛辣。(His article not only has incisive viewpoints but also uses very biting language.)

Another related word is 尖刻 (jiānkè), which means caustic or acrimonious. While '辛辣' can be a positive trait in literature (showing wit), '尖刻' is almost always negative, suggesting that someone is being mean-spirited or unkind in their criticism. If a friend makes fun of you in a way that hurts, you would call them '尖刻', not '辛辣'.

辛辣 vs. 呛 (qiàng): '呛' describes the physical reaction of choking or coughing due to a pungent smell or smoke. You might say '辣椒味很呛' (The chili smell is choking). '辛辣' describes the quality of the smell itself, while '呛' describes your reaction to it.

这种胡椒粉的味道很辛辣，闻起来有点呛。(The smell of this pepper is very pungent; it's a bit choking to breathe in.)

In summary, choose '辛辣' when you want to describe something that has a sharp, stinging intensity, whether it's a bowl of hot ginger soup or a masterful piece of political satire. It is the 'professional's word' for spice and sharpness, carrying a level of descriptive power that simpler words cannot match.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese medicine, the '辛' flavor was associated with the Autumn and the Lungs. It was believed to promote the circulation of Qi.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕin˥ la˥˩/

US /ɕin˥ la˥˩/

In Mandarin, syllables are generally equal in length, but the 4th tone on 'là' gives it a natural emphasis.

Rhymes With

新 (xīn) 心 (xīn) 欣 (xīn) 大 (dà) 袜 (wà) 怕 (pà) 骂 (mà) 架 (jià)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'x' like English 'z' or 's'.
Failing to drop the tone on 'là' (4th tone).
Confusing 'xin' with 'xing'.
Using the 2nd tone for 'xin' (xín) instead of the 1st.
Vocalizing the 'n' in 'xin' too heavily like a nasal 'ng'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding context.

Writing 4/5

Hard to use metaphorically without sounding unnatural for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for food, but usually 'la' is used instead.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in media and food shows.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

辣味道食物批评风格

Learn Next

犀利尖刻讽刺幽默批判

Advanced

针砭时弊入木三分口诛笔伐

Grammar to Know

Adjectives as Predicates

这汤很辛辣。

The particle 'de' (的) for modification

辛辣的洋葱。

The particle 'de' (地) for adverbs

辛辣地讽刺。

Comparative structures with 'bijiao'

这道菜比较辛辣。

Exclamatory structures

太辛辣了！

Examples by Level

我不吃辛辣的菜。

I don't eat spicy/pungent dishes.

Simple Subject + Verb + Adjective + Noun structure.

这个辣椒很辛辣。

This chili is very spicy.

Using '很' to intensify the adjective.

辛辣的食物不好。

Spicy food is not good (for me).

Adjective modifying the subject.

老师不喜欢辛辣。

The teacher doesn't like spicy (things).

Using the adjective as a noun in a general sense.

这是辛辣的味道。

This is a pungent smell.

Demonstrative pronoun + linking verb.

洋葱是辛辣的。

Onions are pungent.

A is B structure with '的'.

你喜欢辛辣吗？

Do you like spicy/pungent (food)?

Standard 'ma' question.

太辛辣了！

Too spicy/pungent!

Exclamatory 'tai...le' structure.

医生说我不能吃辛辣食物。

The doctor said I cannot eat pungent/spicy food.

Indirect speech with 'shuo'.

这种生姜的味道很辛辣。

The taste of this ginger is very pungent.

Specific noun + 'de' + noun.

切洋葱时，气味很辛辣。

When cutting onions, the smell is very pungent.

Time clause '...shi'.

我不习惯吃这么辛辣的东西。

I'm not used to eating such pungent things.

Verb 'xiguan' + 'chi' + 'zheme' + adjective.

四川菜通常比较辛辣。

Sichuan food is usually relatively spicy/pungent.

Adverb 'tongchang' + 'bijiao'.

这种调料有辛辣的香气。

This seasoning has a pungent aroma.

Verb 'you' + adjective + noun.

请不要放太多辛辣的配料。

Please don't put too many pungent ingredients.

Imperative 'qing buyao'.

我觉得这汤太辛辣了。

I feel this soup is too pungent.

Subjective verb 'juede'.

他在文章中使用了辛辣的讽刺。

He used biting irony in his article.

Metaphorical usage of the adjective.

这种药物的味道辛辣，很难喝。

The taste of this medicine is pungent and hard to drink.

Compound sentence with 'hen nan'.

空气中弥漫着一种辛辣的烟雾。

A pungent smoke filled the air.

Verb 'miman' (to fill/permeate).

他的评论虽然辛辣，但很有道理。

Although his comments are biting, they make a lot of sense.

Concession structure 'suiran...dan'.

这位作家的文风以辛辣著称。

This writer's style is famous for being biting.

Structure 'yi...zhucheng' (famous for...).

这种酒喝下去有一种辛辣的感觉。

This wine has a pungent/burning sensation when swallowed.

Verb 'he xiaqu' (drink down).

她辛辣地指出了计划中的错误。

She bitingly pointed out the mistakes in the plan.

Adverbial usage with 'de' (地).

我不喜欢这种辛辣的幽默感。

I don't like this kind of biting sense of humor.

Demonstrative 'zhezhong' + noun phrase.

这部讽刺小说对社会现象进行了辛辣的批判。

This satirical novel conducted a biting critique of social phenomena.

Formal structure 'dui...jinxing...pipan'.

面对辛辣的质疑，他显得有些慌张。

Facing biting questioning, he appeared a bit flustered.

Verb 'miandui' (to face) + noun phrase.

这种香水的后调带有一丝辛辣的木质香。

The base note of this perfume has a hint of pungent woody scent.

Specific vocabulary: 'houtiao' (base note).

他的语言风格辛辣犀利，深受读者喜爱。

His language style is biting and incisive, much loved by readers.

Coordinate adjectives 'xinla xili'.

在那个时代，辛辣的讽刺是唯一的武器。

In that era, biting irony was the only weapon.

Metaphorical use of 'wuqi' (weapon).

这篇社论对政府的政策发表了辛辣的见解。

This editorial published biting insights into the government's policies.

Formal verb 'fabiao' (to publish/express).

她那辛辣的措辞让在场的人都感到尴尬。

Her biting choice of words made everyone present feel embarrassed.

Possessive 'na...de' + noun.

这种植物的根部具有辛辣的药性。

The root of this plant has pungent medicinal properties.

Technical term 'yaoxing' (medicinal property).

鲁迅的文章以其辛辣的笔触揭露了封建社会的黑暗。

Lu Xun's articles exposed the darkness of feudal society with their biting brushstrokes.

Classical modern literary reference.

这种辛辣的风格在当代的脱口秀中非常普遍。

This biting style is very common in contemporary stand-up comedy.

Abstract noun 'fengge' (style).

他辛辣地嘲讽了那些虚伪的政客。

He bitingly mocked those hypocritical politicians.

Adverbial 'xinla de' + verb 'chaofeng'.

这种食材的辛辣味能够有效地去除鱼腥味。

The pungency of this ingredient can effectively remove the fishy smell.

Technical culinary function.

评论家对这部电影的评价可谓是辛辣至极。

The critics' evaluation of this movie can be described as extremely biting.

Structure 'kewei shi...zhiji' (can be said to be...to the extreme).

在辩论中，他用辛辣的言辞驳倒了对手。

In the debate, he refuted his opponent with biting words.

Prepositional phrase 'yong...yanci'.

这种社会评论因其辛辣而引发了广泛的争议。

This social commentary sparked widespread controversy due to its biting nature.

Causal structure 'yin...er...'.

他那辛辣的幽默往往隐藏着深刻的哲理。

His biting humor often hides profound philosophy.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

这种辛辣的批判不仅是情感的宣泄，更是理性的剖析。

This biting critique is not just an emotional vent, but a rational analysis.

Parallel structure 'bujin shi...geng shi...'.

其文风辛辣老辣，展现了深厚的文学功底。

The writing style is biting and seasoned, showing profound literary skill.

Idiomatic use of 'laola' (seasoned/experienced).

这种辛辣的气味是该化学反应产生的副产品。

This pungent odor is a byproduct produced by this chemical reaction.

Scientific context.

他以辛辣的笔法勾勒出了那个时代的众生相。

With a biting writing technique, he outlined the diverse faces of that era.

Literary verb 'goulei' (to sketch/outline).

在这部悲剧中，辛辣的讽刺加深了主题的悲剧性。

In this tragedy, biting irony deepens the tragic nature of the theme.

Literary analysis.

即便言辞辛辣，他的初衷依然是建设性的。

Even if the words are biting, his original intention remains constructive.

Concessive 'jibian...yiran'.

这种辛辣的调味方式在东南亚料理中极为常见。

This pungent seasoning method is extremely common in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Geographical/cultural context.

文章对官僚主义进行了辛辣且不留情面的鞭挞。

The article conducted a biting and merciless lashing of bureaucracy.

Metaphorical verb 'bianta' (to lash/scourge).

Common Collocations

辛辣的食物

辛辣的讽刺

辛辣的味道

辛辣的评论

辛辣的风格

辛辣的气味

辛辣的笔触

辛辣的言辞

辛辣的调料

辛辣的笔调

Common Phrases

辛辣味

— A pungent or spicy taste/smell.

这种植物带有辛辣味。

避食辛辣

— To avoid eating spicy/pungent food (medical advice).

生病期间要避食辛辣。

辛辣幽默

— Biting or sharp humor.

他擅长辛辣幽默。

辛辣手段

— Severe or sharp methods (rare).

他采取了辛辣手段。

文风辛辣

— A biting writing style.

鲁迅的文风辛辣。

语言辛辣

— Sharp or biting language.

他的语言辛辣且直接。

辛辣讽刺画

— A biting satirical cartoon.

这是一张辛辣讽刺画。

辛辣批评

— Biting or sharp criticism.

他接受了辛辣批评。

辛辣药材

— Pungent medicinal herbs.

这种辛辣药材很有用。

辛辣体验

— A stinging or intense experience.

这是一次辛辣的体验。

Often Confused With

辛辣 vs 苦 (kǔ)

Bitterness vs. Pungency. Coffee is kǔ, ginger is xīnlà.

辛辣 vs 酸 (suān)

Sourness vs. Pungency. Lemon is suān, mustard is xīnlà.

辛辣 vs 咸 (xián)

Saltiness vs. Pungency. Salt is xián, pepper is xīnlà.

Idioms & Expressions

"辛辣讽刺"

— Biting irony; using sharp wit to mock.

他的话语中带着辛辣讽刺。

Formal

"姜桂之性"

— Old and spicy; refers to people who become more determined as they age (contains '辛' logic).

他虽老，却有姜桂之性。

Literary

"口诛笔伐"

— To condemn both in speech and in writing (often uses 辛辣 language).

众人对他进行口诛笔伐。

Formal

"针砭时弊"

— To criticize social ills (often described as 辛辣).

这篇文章针砭时弊。

Formal

"一针见血"

— To hit the nail on the head (related to 辛辣 critique).

他的评价一针见血。

Neutral

"入木三分"

— Deeply incisive (used for 辛辣 writing).

他的描写刻画得入木三分。

Literary

"含沙射影"

— To make insinuating remarks (less direct than 辛辣).

他总是含沙射影地骂人。

Neutral

"唇枪舌剑"

— A crossfire of words (often 辛辣).

两人展开了唇枪舌剑。

Neutral

"冷嘲热讽"

— To mock and ridicule (similar to 辛辣).

别在那儿冷嘲热讽。

Neutral

"言之凿凿"

— To speak with certainty (often paired with 辛辣 facts).

他言之凿凿地批评我。

Formal

Easily Confused

辛辣 vs 辣

Both mean hot/spicy.

'辣' is general and casual; '辛辣' is formal and includes pungency like onions.

这个菜很辣。 vs. 这道菜有辛辣的香气。

辛辣 vs 尖刻

Both describe sharp speech.

'尖刻' is usually mean/nasty; '辛辣' is sharp/witty/satirical.

她说话很尖刻。 vs. 他的讽刺很辛辣。

辛辣 vs 犀利

Both mean sharp.

'犀利' is like a blade (incisive); '辛辣' is like a sting (caustic).

犀利的眼神 vs. 辛辣的文字

辛辣 vs 泼辣

Shares the 'la' character.

'泼辣' describes a bold, fierce personality; '辛辣' describes words or tastes.

泼辣的性格 vs. 辛辣的语言

辛辣 vs 毒辣

Shares the 'la' character.

'毒辣' means sinister, cruel, or ruthless.

手段毒辣

Sentence Patterns

我（不）喜欢吃辛辣的食物。

我不喜欢吃辛辣的食物。

这种[Noun]的味道很辛辣。

这种生姜的味道很辛辣。

虽然...但...很辛辣。

虽然他很年轻，但他的评论很辛辣。

以[Noun]的辛辣著称。

这篇文章以其讽刺的辛辣著称。

辛辣地[Verb]了[Object]。

他辛辣地批评了那个方案。

可谓是辛辣至极。

他的话可谓是辛辣至极。

不仅...更是辛辣的...

这不仅是反击，更是辛辣的嘲讽。

展现出辛辣的[Noun]。

作品展现出辛辣的批判力量。

Word Family

Nouns

辛辣味 (pungency)

辛辣度 (spiciness level)

Verbs

加辣 (to add spice)

Adjectives

辣 (spicy)

泼辣 (bold)

毒辣 (sinister)

酸辣 (sour and spicy)

辛苦 (hard work)

辛勤 (industrious)

辣椒 (chili pepper)

生姜 (ginger)

洋葱 (onion)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Chinese and formal discussions.

Common Mistakes

Using 辛辣 for coffee. → Using 苦 (kǔ).
Coffee is bitter, not pungent/stinging.
Saying '他是一个辛辣的人' to mean he is mean. → Saying '他说话很尖刻' or '他很刻薄'。
辛辣 describes the style of words, not the person's character directly.
Confusing 辛辣 with 呛. → Use 辛辣 for the quality; 呛 for the reaction (choking).
You can say the smell is 辛辣, which makes you 呛.
Using 辛辣 for a mild spice. → Using '微辣' (wēilà) or '有一点辣'。
辛辣 implies a strong, intense sensation.
Writing '辛辣' as '新辣'. → 辛辣 (xīnlà).
Don't confuse the character for 'new' (新) with 'pungent' (辛).

Tips

Culinary Precision

When describing a dish with ginger and garlic but no chili, use 辛辣 instead of 辣 to be more precise.

Satire Analysis

In literature essays, use '辛辣的讽刺' (biting irony) to describe authors who criticize society.

Doctor's Orders

If a Chinese doctor says '忌辛辣' (jì xīnlà), they mean you should avoid spicy food, garlic, and onions.

Formal vs Informal

Use '很辣' with your friends, but use '辛辣' in your Chinese exams or formal presentations.

Tone Recognition

Pay attention to the sharp drop in the second syllable 'là'; it emphasizes the 'sting' of the word.

Wit vs Mean

Remember that 辛辣 suggests intelligence and wit, while 尖刻 suggests a lack of kindness.

The Five Flavors

Learn 辛 along with 酸 (sour), 甜 (sweet), 苦 (bitter), and 咸 (salty) to understand Chinese culinary theory.

Avoid Repetition

In an essay, alternate between 辛辣, 犀利, and 深刻 to keep your writing interesting.

Using '地'

Use '辛辣地' when you want to describe *how* someone is criticizing something (e.g., 'He bitingly said...').

Mental Image

Picture a chili pepper with a sharp edge like a knife to remember the 'xīn' (knife) and 'là' (hot).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '辛' as a sharp knife and '辣' as a chili pepper. A 'knife-pepper' taste is one that stings your tongue and your pride!

Visual Association

Imagine a red chili pepper shaped like a sharp fountain pen. It can season your food or write a stinging critique.

Word Web

辛辣辣生姜大蒜洋葱讽刺批判文风

Challenge

Try to find one food item and one news article today that you could describe as '辛辣'.

Word Origin

The character '辛' (xīn) originally depicted a tattoo knife used for branding criminals, representing pain and bitterness. '辣' (là) consists of '辛' and '束' (bundle), originally referring to the stinging taste of peppers.

Original meaning: A sharp, stinging taste associated with certain plants and spices.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone's words '辛辣' in a formal meeting; it can be seen as calling them aggressive.

English speakers might use 'spicy' for food and 'salty' or 'biting' for comments. '辛辣' covers both effectively.

Lu Xun's essays (famous for 辛辣 style) The 5 Flavors in TCM Sichuan Hotpot descriptions

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

我不吃辛辣
味道太辛辣
辛辣的调料
有没有不辛辣的

Reading a Review

辛辣的讽刺
文风辛辣
评价辛辣
辛辣的幽默

Medical Advice

忌辛辣食物
少吃辛辣
辛辣刺激
对胃部辛辣

In a Debate

辞锋辛辣
辛辣的质问
语言辛辣
反驳辛辣

Describing Smells

辛辣的气味
闻起来辛辣
辛辣刺鼻
弥漫着辛辣

Conversation Starters

"你喜欢吃辛辣的食物还是清淡的？"

"你觉得哪位作家的文风最辛辣？"

"你最不能接受哪种辛辣的味道？"

"你听过最辛辣的批评是什么？"

"你觉得脱口秀演员的语言应该辛辣吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你吃过最辛辣的食物的经历。

你认为辛辣的批评对一个人的进步有帮助吗？为什么？

写一段话，用辛辣的风格描写一个你看不惯的社会现象。

对比一下‘辣’和‘辛辣’在你心目中的区别。

如果你是一个评论家，你会选择辛辣的风格还是温和的风格？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, you describe their *style* or *words* as 辛辣, not the person directly. For a bold person, use 泼辣.

It depends. For food, it's descriptive. For satire, it's often a compliment. For personal comments, it can be seen as too harsh.

辣 is just 'hot' (chili). 辛辣 is 'pungent' (ginger, onion, garlic) and more formal.

No, it can also mean biting, caustic, or satirical in a metaphorical sense.

Yes, especially on food packaging, in medical advice, and in media reviews.

Yes, it is perfect for describing pungent or stinging smells like strong spices or chemicals.

辛 (xīn) has 7 strokes; 辣 (là) has 14 strokes. Both contain the '辛' radical/component.

The literal meaning is A2/B1; the metaphorical meaning is B2/C1.

Raw onions, garlic, ginger, mustard, horseradish, and strong peppers.

It is one of the five essential flavors (五味) used to classify herbs and their effects on the body.