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March 24, 2026
烀hū(hu1)
The character 烀 (hū) refers to the method of cooking food slowly over a low flame or simmering it in a small amount of water. This technique helps to enhance the flavor of the ingredients while ensuring they are cooked thoroughly without burning. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese cooking for soups and stews.
Strokes9Radical火Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the method of slow cooking or simmering is essential for dishes like traditional herbal soups, where the flavors need time to develop. This practice reflects the cultural emphasis on patience and the art of cooking.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pot simmering gently on a stove, the steam rising like a soft cloud. The character 烀 resembles a pot (the bottom part) with steam coming out (the top part), reminding you of the slow cooking process that creates flavorful dishes. The 'hū' sound can be associated with the gentle 'hush' of simmering water.
Meanings of 烀
hū(hu1)
1to simmer, to cook over a slow fire
2to cook in a small quantity of water
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 烀
烀Simplified
9Strokes
火Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 烀
Podcast: 烀
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AI Study Notes for 烀
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pot simmering gently on a stove, the steam rising like a soft cloud. The character 烀 resembles a pot (the bottom part) with steam coming out (the top part), reminding you of the slow cooking process that creates flavorful dishes. The 'hū' sound can be associated with the gentle 'hush' of simmering water.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 烀 with similar cooking terms like 煮 (zhǔ), which means to boil. 烀 is used specifically for slow cooking or simmering. It is more common in informal contexts among home cooks rather than in formal culinary literature.
HSK Study Tips
While 烀 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be linked to HSK 2 cooking terms like 煮 (zhǔ) and 炒 (chǎo). Students should focus on understanding the different methods of cooking in Mandarin and practice using them in sentences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, the method of slow cooking or simmering is essential for dishes like traditional herbal soups, where the flavors need time to develop. This practice reflects the cultural emphasis on patience and the art of cooking.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 烀 with 煮 and use them interchangeably, saying '我想烀水' (I want to simmer water) when they should say '我想煮水' (I want to boil water). Remember, 烀 is for simmering, not boiling.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 烀
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Cultural Notes for 烀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, the method of slow cooking or simmering is essential for dishes like traditional herbal soups, where the flavors need time to develop. This practice reflects the cultural emphasis on patience and the art of cooking.
Word Family of 烀
Words Containing This Character1
烀hūto cook in a small quantity of water
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 烀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 烀
烀 refers to simmering or slow cooking, while 煮 specifically means to boil. They are both cooking methods but vary in heat intensity.
No, 烀 is not used for frying; it pertains specifically to slow cooking with low heat.
It is more common in traditional cooking methods, but some modern chefs use it to emphasize flavor in their dishes.
