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薯条 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
薯条shǔtiáofrench friesHSK 6, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #5044, Hard
薯条shǔtiáofrench fried potatoesHSK 6, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #5044, Hard
薯条shǔtiáochipsHSK 6, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #5044, Hard
shǔtiáo(shu3tiao2)shu tiao T3
  1. 1french fries
  2. 2french fried potatoes
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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.

Strokes23Frequency#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
23Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 薯条

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AI Study Notes for 薯条

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.

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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Component Characters

薯shǔyam, tuber, potato
16 strokes艹
View full entry
条tiáostrip
HSK 27 strokes木
View full entry

How to say french fries in Chinese

“french fries” in Chinese is薯条shǔtiáo

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.

When to use 薯条

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'.

What learners get wrong

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.

Write 薯条

薯
条

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Frequently Asked Questions about 薯条

There is no difference; both terms refer to French fries, but 炸薯条 emphasizes the frying method.

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