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cucumber

A1 noun #1,848 最常用 5分钟阅读

cucumber

前1,848

At the A1 level, a cucumber is simply a green vegetable you eat in a salad. It is long, green, and healthy. You find it at the supermarket. You might say, 'I like cucumber.' It is a basic food word that helps you describe what you eat for lunch or dinner. You learn it alongside words like tomato, lettuce, and onion.

At the A2 level, you can describe the cucumber more. You know it is 'crunchy' and 'fresh.' You can talk about buying cucumbers in the plural. You might use it in simple recipes: 'Cut the cucumber into small pieces.' You also start to see it in phrases like 'cucumber sandwiches' or 'cucumber water.'

At the B1 level, you understand the role of the cucumber in different cultures, like in Greek tzatziki or English tea. You can discuss its health benefits, such as being hydrating because it contains a lot of water. You might also encounter the idiom 'cool as a cucumber' and understand it means staying calm in a difficult situation.

At the B2 level, you can explain the difference between varieties, like the English cucumber versus the pickling cucumber. You understand the botanical fact that it is a fruit but used as a vegetable. You can use the word in more complex sentences about nutrition, agriculture, or culinary techniques like 'quick-pickling.'

At the C1 level, you use 'cucumber' with precision in various registers. You might discuss the 'aqueous properties' of the cucumber in skincare or its 'textural contribution' to a dish. You are comfortable with all idiomatic uses and can discuss the agricultural challenges of growing cucumbers, such as susceptibility to certain molds.

At the C2 level, you might use the cucumber as a metaphor or in highly technical botanical or culinary discussions. You understand the nuances of its flavor profile—how the bitterness in the skin comes from compounds called cucurbitacins. You can appreciate the word's role in literature or high-end gastronomy where the 'essence of cucumber' is used.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

cucumber 30秒了解

A cucumber is a long green vegetable with a high water content and a refreshing, crunchy texture.
It is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as the main ingredient for pickles.
The phrase 'cool as a cucumber' describes someone who remains very calm under pressure.
Cucumbers are botanically fruits but are treated as vegetables in cooking and daily life.

Botanical Classification: The cucumber, known scientifically as Cucumis sativus, is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. While often treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts due to its savory application, it is botanically a fruit. It features a cylindrical shape, typically reaching lengths of 15 to 30 centimeters, though varieties differ significantly in size and texture. The exterior is covered by a protective, often waxy, green skin which can be smooth or bumpy depending on the cultivar. Inside, the flesh is pale white or light green, characterized by a high water content—approximately 95%—which contributes to its signature crispness and cooling properties.

She sliced the cucumber into thin rounds for the afternoon tea sandwiches.

Sensory Profile: The flavor of a cucumber is mild, refreshing, and slightly sweet, often described as 'clean.' This neutrality makes it an exceptional palate cleanser and a versatile ingredient in global cuisines. When bitten, it offers a distinct 'crunch' that is highly valued in salads and garnishes. Its aroma is fresh and aquatic, often associated with spa environments and skincare products due to its soothing associations. The seeds, located in the central core, are soft and edible in most commercial varieties, though some heirloom types may have tougher seeds that are removed before consumption.

Adding a few slices of cucumber to your water can make it much more refreshing on a hot day.

Culinary Versatility: Beyond being eaten raw, cucumbers are the primary ingredient for pickles, where they are preserved in brine or vinegar. This transformation changes their texture from crisp and watery to firm and tangy. In Mediterranean cuisine, they are essential for tzatziki and Greek salads, while in East Asian cooking, they are often smashed and seasoned with garlic and chili oil. Their ability to absorb flavors while maintaining a structural crunch makes them a favorite for chefs looking to balance heavy or spicy dishes with a light, cooling element.

The chef prepared a chilled cucumber soup with dill and yogurt.

A classic English tea isn't complete without delicate cucumber sandwiches.

The garden was overflowing with ripe cucumbers ready for harvest.

Grammatical Function: 'Cucumber' is a countable noun. You can have one cucumber or many cucumbers. When referring to the substance or flavor, it can occasionally be used in an uncountable sense (e.g., 'a hint of cucumber in the gin'), but typically it follows standard pluralization rules. It is frequently used as an attributive noun to modify other nouns, such as in 'cucumber salad,' 'cucumber water,' or 'cucumber extract.'

I bought three large cucumbers at the farmer's market.

Contextual Application: In a culinary context, you 'peel,' 'slice,' 'dice,' or 'grate' a cucumber. If you are making pickles, you might 'brine' them. In a beauty context, you might 'place cucumber slices over your eyes' to reduce puffiness. In scientific or agricultural discussions, you might refer to 'cucumber yields' or 'cucumber beetles.' It is a versatile word that fits into everyday grocery talk as easily as it does into professional culinary or botanical discourse.

The recipe calls for one cucumber, peeled and seeded.

Descriptive Adjectives: Common adjectives used with cucumber include 'crisp,' 'crunchy,' 'refreshing,' 'cool,' 'watery,' 'bitter' (if it's old), and 'seedless.' These help specify the quality or variety of the fruit being discussed. For instance, 'English cucumbers' are long and thin with thin skin, while 'Kirby cucumbers' are short and bumpy, ideal for pickling.

There is nothing better than a cucumber that is crisp and cold from the fridge.

You will most frequently encounter the word 'cucumber' in grocery stores, restaurants, and kitchens. It is a staple of the produce section. In health and wellness circles, you'll hear it mentioned in the context of detox waters or spa treatments. Because of the famous idiom 'cool as a cucumber,' you might also hear it in casual conversation or literature to describe someone's temperament. In gardening communities, it's a common topic regarding summer harvests and pest control. Furthermore, in the cosmetics industry, 'cucumber' is a popular scent and ingredient for lotions and face masks due to its hydrating reputation.

One common mistake is the spelling, particularly the 'u' after the 'c'—some learners might mistakenly write 'cocumber.' Another error is confusing 'cucumber' with 'zucchini' (courgette). While they look similar (both are long and green), cucumbers are usually eaten raw and have a cooler, more watery taste, whereas zucchini is typically cooked and has a denser, more squash-like texture. Additionally, remember that while it is a fruit botanically, in almost every social and culinary situation, it is referred to as a vegetable. Calling it a fruit in a restaurant might cause confusion!

Zucchini / Courgette: Often confused due to shape. Zucchini is a summer squash, usually cooked. Cucumber is usually raw.
Pickle: A pickle is a cucumber that has been preserved. In many dialects, 'pickle' specifically refers to the pickled cucumber.
Gherkin: A specific variety of small cucumber used for pickling.

How Formal Is It?

正式

非正式

俚语

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

按水平分级的例句

I eat a cucumber.

Je mange un concombre.

Subject + Verb + Object

The cucumber is green.

Le concombre est vert.

Simple adjective use

Do you like cucumber?

Aimes-tu le concombre ?

Interrogative form

I have one cucumber.

J'ai un concombre.

Countable noun singular

Cucumbers are good for you.

Les concombres sont bons pour vous.

Plural subject

Put the cucumber in the salad.

Mettez le concombre dans la salade.

Imperative mood

The cucumber is on the plate.

Le concombre est sur l'assiette.

Preposition of place

This is a fresh cucumber.

C'est un concombre frais.

Demonstrative pronoun

I need to buy two cucumbers for the salad.

J'ai besoin d'acheter deux concombres.

Quantifier + noun

She is slicing the cucumber very thinly.

Elle coupe le concombre très finement.

Present continuous

Cucumbers taste very fresh in the summer.

Les concombres ont un goût très frais en été.

Stative verb 'taste'

Can you peel the cucumber, please?

Peux-tu éplucher le concombre, s'il te plaît ?

Modal verb for request

I prefer cucumber without the seeds.

Je préfère le concombre sans les graines.

Preposition 'without'

Is there any cucumber in this sandwich?

Y a-t-il du concombre dans ce sandwich ?

Determiner 'any'

We grew cucumbers in our garden last year.

Nous avons fait pousser des concombres dans notre jardin l'année dernière.

Past simple

Cucumber water is very popular at the spa.

L'eau de concombre est très populaire au spa.

Attributive noun

Even though he was nervous, he stayed as cool as a cucumber.

Même s'il était nerveux, il est resté calme comme un concombre.

Idiomatic expression

The salad consists of tomatoes, onions, and diced cucumber.

La salade se compose de tomates, d'oignons et de concombre en dés.

List of ingredients

If you have puffy eyes, try placing cucumber slices on them.

Si vous avez les yeux gonflés, essayez de placer des rondelles de concombre dessus.

Conditional sentence

Cucumbers are mostly made of water, which makes them very hydrating.

Les concombres sont principalement composés d'eau.

Relative clause

I forgot to add the cucumber to the tzatziki sauce.

J'ai oublié d'ajouter le concombre à la sauce tzatziki.

Infinitive after 'forgot'

The farmer harvested the cucumbers before they got too big.

Le fermier a récolté les concombres avant qu'ils ne deviennent trop gros.

Time conjunction 'before'

Pickles are essentially cucumbers preserved in vinegar.

Les cornichons sont essentiellement des concombres conservés dans le vinaigre.

Adverbial modification

She made a refreshing soup using chilled cucumbers and dill.

Elle a fait une soupe rafraîchissante avec des concombres frais et de l'aneth.

Participle phrase

The crispness of the cucumber balances the spiciness of the dish.

Le croquant du concombre équilibre le piquant du plat.

Abstract noun 'crispness'

English cucumbers are often sold wrapped in plastic to protect their thin skin.

Les concombres anglais sont souvent vendus emballés dans du plastique.

Passive voice

The bitterness in some cucumbers is caused by a compound called cucurbitacin.

L'amertume de certains concombres est causée par un composé appelé cucurbitacine.

Complex passive structure

Cucumbers thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and water.

Les concombres s'épanouissent dans les climats chauds.

Verb 'thrive'

You should salt the cucumber slices to draw out the excess moisture.

Vous devriez saler les tranches de concombre pour en extraire l'excès d'humidité.

Purpose clause 'to draw out'

The variety of cucumber you choose depends on whether you want to pickle it.

La variété de concombre que vous choisissez dépend de si vous voulez le mariner.

Noun clause with 'whether'

Despite being a fruit, the cucumber is rarely eaten as one.

Bien qu'étant un fruit, le concombre est rarement mangé comme tel.

Concession with 'despite'

The cucumber's mild flavor makes it an ideal accompaniment to seafood.

La saveur douce du concombre en fait un accompagnement idéal pour les fruits de mer.

Possessive 's

The aesthetic appeal of the dish was enhanced by the intricately carved cucumber garnish.

L'attrait esthétique du plat a été rehaussé par la garniture de concombre sculptée.

Advanced vocabulary and passive voice

The cucumber's high water content necessitates careful storage to prevent wilting.

La teneur élevée en eau du concombre nécessite un stockage soigneux.

Formal verb 'necessitates'

Hydroponically grown cucumbers often exhibit a more uniform shape and texture.

Les concombres cultivés en hydroponie présentent souvent une forme plus uniforme.

Adverbial phrase 'hydroponically grown'

The refreshing essence of cucumber is a staple in contemporary mixology.

L'essence rafraîchissante du concombre est un élément de base de la mixologie contemporaine.

Abstract noun 'essence'

One must be wary of the cucumber beetle, which can devastate a harvest overnight.

Il faut se méfier du chrysomèle du concombre.

Formal pronoun 'one'

The cooling sensation of cucumber on the skin is attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.

La sensation de fraîcheur du concombre sur la peau est attribuée à ses propriétés anti-inflammatoires.

Scientific register

In the realm of pickling, the cucumber undergoes a fascinating biochemical transformation.

Dans le domaine de la saumure, le concombre subit une transformation biochimique.

Prepositional phrase 'In the realm of'

The chef utilized a mandoline to achieve translucent slices of cucumber.

Le chef a utilisé une mandoline pour obtenir des tranches de concombre translucides.

Precise culinary vocabulary

The subtle, almost ephemeral notes of cucumber in the gin provided a sophisticated finish.

Les notes subtiles, presque éphémères, de concombre dans le gin...

Highly descriptive adjectives

The cucumber serves as a textural foil to the unctuousness of the fatty tuna.

Le concombre sert de faire-valoir textural à l'onctuosité du thon gras.

Metaphorical 'foil'

The proliferation of seedless cucumber varieties has revolutionized the convenience of salad preparation.

La prolifération des variétés de concombres sans pépins a révolutionné...

Complex noun phrases

The cucumber's genomic sequence has been mapped to better understand its resistance to pathogens.

La séquence génomique du concombre a été cartographiée.

Scientific passive

To describe him as 'cool as a cucumber' would be a profound understatement given the chaos surrounding him.

Le décrire comme 'calme comme un concombre' serait un euphémisme profond.

Infinitive as subject

The interplay between the cucumber's acidity and the creaminess of the feta was masterful.

L'interaction entre l'acidité du concombre et l'onctuosité de la feta était magistrale.

Noun 'interplay'

The historical lineage of the cucumber can be traced back to ancient India.

La lignée historique du concombre remonte à l'Inde ancienne.

Historical register

Such is the versatility of the cucumber that it finds its way into both the humblest sandwich and the loftiest cuisine.

Telle est la polyvalence du concombre qu'il trouve sa place...

Inversion for emphasis

近义词

gherkin cuke slicer salad vegetable green gourd

反义词

chili pepper root vegetable

常见搭配

Fresh cucumber

Sliced cucumber

Cucumber salad

Cucumber water

Pickled cucumber

Crisp cucumber

Cool cucumber

Cucumber skin

Cucumber seeds

Cucumber extract

常用短语

Slice the cucumber

Peel the cucumber

Diced cucumber

Cucumber and tomato salad

A side of cucumber

Cucumber slices on eyes

Freshly picked cucumber

English cucumber

Seedless cucumber

Cucumber gin

容易混淆的词

cucumber vs Zucchini

cucumber vs Marrow

cucumber vs Pickle

习语与表达

容易混淆

cucumber vs

句型

如何使用

note 1

Cucumbers are often waxed for the supermarket.

note 2

The skin can be bitter.

常见错误

Spelling it 'cocumber'.
Thinking it's a zucchini.
Using 'a cucumber' for the flavor.
Thinking it's always a vegetable.
Pronouncing it 'cuk-um-ber'.

小贴士

Avoid Sogginess

Salt your cucumber slices for 10 minutes then pat dry to keep salads from getting watery.

Hydration

Eat cucumbers in the summer to help stay hydrated due to their 95% water content.

Eye Care

Cold cucumber slices can help reduce swelling and dark circles under your eyes.

Harvesting

Pick cucumbers when they are medium-sized; if they get too big, they become bitter.

Fridge Spot

Keep cucumbers in the crisper drawer of your fridge for the best results.

Pairing

Cucumber pairs perfectly with dill, lemon, and yogurt.

Firmness

Always choose cucumbers that are firm and have a consistent green color.

Washing

Wash cucumbers thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides from the skin.

Stay Calm

Use 'cool as a cucumber' during your next English presentation to describe a calm leader.

Try Persian

Persian cucumbers are small and sweet, great for snacking without peeling.

记住它

记忆技巧

CU-CUM-BER: See you (CU) come (CUM) for the bear (BER)? No, for the cucumber!

词源

Latin

文化背景

Associated with cricket matches and high tea.

The 'pickle' is a cultural icon of delis.

Key ingredient in Tzatziki.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"Do you like cucumber in your water?"

"What's your favorite way to eat cucumber?"

"Do you prefer pickles or fresh cucumbers?"

"Have you ever grown cucumbers in a garden?"

"Is cucumber a fruit or a vegetable in your country?"

日记主题

Describe the taste of a cucumber to someone who has never tried one.

Write about a time you had to stay 'cool as a cucumber'.

What is your favorite salad recipe involving cucumbers?

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, botanically it is a fruit because it contains seeds and develops from a flower, but it is culinarily a vegetable.

Yes, the skin is edible and contains many nutrients, though some people prefer to peel it if it is waxed or thick.

Because the inside of a cucumber can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air temperature.

Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, but not in the coldest part.

A long, thin variety with very small seeds and thin skin, often sold in plastic wrap.

Yes, they are low in calories and high in water and vitamins like Vitamin K.

Yes, cucumbers are a safe and low-calorie snack for most dogs.

A small, bumpy variety that is perfect for making pickles because they stay crunchy.

Most do, but some varieties are bred to be 'seedless' or have very tiny seeds.

They grow on vines in warm weather with lots of water and sunlight.