热腾腾 (rè téng téng) describes something that is steaming hot, often used to refer to food or drinks that are freshly made and still warm. It conveys a sense of freshness and comfort, typically evoking a welcoming atmosphere, such as when served at home or in a restaurant.
HSK 7, rank #18380, Hard
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March 24, 2026
热腾腾()rèténgténg(re4teng2teng2)
热腾腾 (rè téng téng) describes something that is steaming hot, often used to refer to food or drinks that are freshly made and still warm. It conveys a sense of freshness and comfort, typically evoking a welcoming atmosphere, such as when served at home or in a restaurant.
Frequency#18380DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sharing a 热腾腾 meal is a significant part of hospitality, especially during gatherings or family reunions. It reflects warmth and care, as freshly cooked food symbolizes love and attention to guests.
Memory Tip
Imagine a steaming bowl of soup. The character 热 (rè) means 'hot', and 腾 (téng) can suggest rising steam. Picture the steam swirling upward in a lively dance, making it '热腾腾' – hot and bubbling with warmth.
About 热腾腾
热腾腾Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 热腾腾
Podcast: 热腾腾
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AI Study Notes for 热腾腾
Quick Contrast
热乎乎 (rè hū hū) — use 热腾腾 for food that is freshly made and steaming, while 热乎乎 can describe something warm but not necessarily steaming.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a steaming bowl of soup. The character 热 (rè) means 'hot', and 腾 (téng) can suggest rising steam. Picture the steam swirling upward in a lively dance, making it '热腾腾' – hot and bubbling with warmth.
Usage Notes
Use 热腾腾 primarily in informal contexts, especially when describing food. Be cautious not to confuse it with simple 热 (hot), as 热腾腾 emphasizes the steaming condition. Additionally, remember to use it with nouns to specify what is hot, such as 热腾腾的饭 (steaming hot rice).
HSK Study Tips
Although 热腾腾 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects to HSK 3 vocabulary like 热 (hot) and 食物 (food). Students should focus on using it in practical sentences about meals to enhance their descriptive language skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, sharing a 热腾腾 meal is a significant part of hospitality, especially during gatherings or family reunions. It reflects warmth and care, as freshly cooked food symbolizes love and attention to guests.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 热腾腾 by applying it to cold food, saying 热腾腾的冰淇淋 (steaming hot ice cream), which is incorrect. The correct usage would be 热腾腾的汤 (steaming hot soup).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 热腾腾
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Cultural Notes for 热腾腾
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, sharing a 热腾腾 meal is a significant part of hospitality, especially during gatherings or family reunions. It reflects warmth and care, as freshly cooked food symbolizes love and attention to guests.
Frequently Asked Questions about 热腾腾
Yes, 热腾腾 can be used for drinks like tea or soup that are hot and steaming.
No, it is more commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in daily conversation.
It is pronounced as rè téng téng, with the tones being fourth (rè) and second (téng) for both characters.
