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March 24, 2026
薯条(薯條)shǔtiáo(shu3tiao2)
薯条 (shǔ tiáo) refers to French fries or fried potato strips, a popular snack or side dish in many cultures. In China, they are often found in fast food restaurants and are enjoyed for their crispy texture and savory flavor. The term combines the characters for 'potato' (薯) and 'strip' (条), emphasizing the shape of the food.
Frequency#5044DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese fast food culture, 薯条 are often served with various dips, such as ketchup or mayonnaise, which reflects the Western influence on Chinese dining habits. They are a favorite among younger generations and are often paired with burgers.
Memory Tip
Imagine a potato (薯) wearing a pair of long, stylish pants (条) that resemble French fries. The visual of a potato dressed up in fry-like strips helps connect the form of the characters with their meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 薯条
shǔtiáo(shu3tiao2)
1french fries
2french fried potatoes
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About 薯条
薯条Simplified
薯條Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 薯条
Podcast: 薯条
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AI Study Notes for 薯条
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a potato (薯) wearing a pair of long, stylish pants (条) that resemble French fries. The visual of a potato dressed up in fry-like strips helps connect the form of the characters with their meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
薯条 is commonly used in informal settings, especially when ordering food. Be mindful of the tone when saying the word: 'shǔ' with a third tone and 'tiáo' with a second tone. A common collocation is '炸薯条' (zhà shǔ tiáo), meaning 'fried French fries'.
HSK Study Tips
薯条 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, but it relates to food vocabulary that students at HSK 2 and 3 should focus on. Learning this word can enhance your ability to order food and discuss snacks.
Cultural Note
In Chinese fast food culture, 薯条 are often served with various dips, such as ketchup or mayonnaise, which reflects the Western influence on Chinese dining habits. They are a favorite among younger generations and are often paired with burgers.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 薯条 with other fried potato terms, such as 土豆 (tǔdòu), which means 'potato'. A common error is saying '土豆条' instead of 薯条. Remember, 薯条 specifically refers to the fried form.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 薯条
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Cultural Notes for 薯条
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese fast food culture, 薯条 are often served with various dips, such as ketchup or mayonnaise, which reflects the Western influence on Chinese dining habits. They are a favorite among younger generations and are often paired with burgers.
Frequently Asked Questions about 薯条
There is no difference; both terms refer to French fries, but 炸薯条 emphasizes the frying method.
Typically, no. 薯条 are more common in Western-style fast food restaurants rather than traditional Chinese dining.
薯条 can be both; they are often served as a side with meals or enjoyed as a standalone snack.
