Meanings of 汤
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About 汤
Podcast: 汤
Podcast: 汤
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AI Study Notes for 汤
汤 (tāng) vs 汤圆 (tāngyuán) — use 汤 for soup or broth, while 汤圆 specifically refers to glutinous rice balls often served in soup.
Learners often confuse 汤 with other similar words for liquids, such as 水 (water). Remember that 汤 specifically denotes soups or boiled infusions. It's typically used in both formal and informal settings, so you can confidently order soup at a restaurant or discuss recipes in a casual conversation.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 汤 connects well with other food-related vocabulary such as 菜 (cài, dish) and 饭 (fàn, rice/meal). Focus on using it in context, especially when discussing meals or recipes, to reinforce its meaning and usage.
A common mistake is confusing 汤 (soup) with other similar terms like 汁 (juice). For example, saying '我想要果汁汤' (I want fruit juice soup) is incorrect; it should be '果汁' (juice) without the 汤.
Pronunciation of 汤
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Etymology of 汤
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 昜 represents the sound. Simplified form of 湯.
water
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 汤
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 昜 represents the sound. Simplified form of 湯.
- 1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half昜 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywater
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 汤? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 汤?
Decomposition of 汤
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 汤?
How to say rushing current in Chinese
“rushing current” in Chinese is汤
汤 (tāng) primarily refers to soup or broth, often used in culinary contexts to describe a liquid dish typically made from boiling meat, vegetables, or grains. It can also refer to hot or boiling water and has implications in traditional medicine, where decoctions of herbs are made. The term encapsulates warmth and nourishment, commonly found in Chinese cuisine and daily meals.
When to use 汤
Learners often confuse 汤 with other similar words for liquids, such as 水 (water). Remember that 汤 specifically denotes soups or boiled infusions. It's typically used in both formal and informal settings, so you can confidently order soup at a restaurant or discuss recipes in a casual conversation.
汤 or something close to it
汤 (tāng) vs 汤圆 (tāngyuán) — use 汤 for soup or broth, while 汤圆 specifically refers to glutinous rice balls often served in soup.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is confusing 汤 (soup) with other similar terms like 汁 (juice). For example, saying '我想要果汁汤' (I want fruit juice soup) is incorrect; it should be '果汁' (juice) without the 汤.
Write 汤
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Practice writing 汤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 汤
汤 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
给我来一碗____。
Bring me a bowl of soup.
Common Confusions with 汤
Similar shape, but with a different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "rushing current"?
Example Sentences for 汤 (10)
Cultural Notes for 汤
In Chinese cuisine, soup is often consumed as part of a meal rather than as a starter. It's common to have soup with rice and other dishes, making it a staple in many households.
There is a saying in Chinese, '好汤出自好材料' (hǎo tāng chū zì hǎo cáiliào), which means 'Good soup comes from good ingredients.' This reflects the importance of quality in cooking.
In many Western cultures, soup is often served as an appetizer, while in Chinese culture, it's typically enjoyed throughout the meal, highlighting the communal aspect of dining.
Word Family of 汤
Compound Meaning
What does 荡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 汤
Yes, 汤 (tāng) is a common Chinese surname. It is one of the many surnames that have historical significance and can be found among various ethnic groups in China. Like many Chinese surnames, it carries cultural and familial importance.
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