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March 24, 2026
饺子(餃子)jiǎozi(jiao3zi5)
饺子 (jiǎozi) refers to a traditional Chinese dumpling that is typically filled with meat and vegetables, wrapped in a thin dough. They are often boiled, steamed, or pan-fried and are a popular dish during festivals, especially the Lunar New Year. In everyday contexts, they symbolize reunion and family gatherings.
Strokes12Frequency#16260DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
饺子 are traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year in China, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, as their shape resembles ancient gold or silver ingots. Families often gather to make and eat dumplings together, reinforcing bonds and traditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, juicy dumpling shaped like a 'J' for 'jiǎozi'. The top half resembles a pouch (包, bāo) that holds delicious fillings, while the bottom half is like a 'Z' representing the zesty flavors inside. Picture yourself joyfully biting into it, feeling the warmth and flavors burst inside your mouth.
Meanings of 饺子
jiǎozi(jiao3zi5)
1dumpling
2pot-sticker
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About 饺子
饺子Simplified
餃子Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16260Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 饺子
Podcast: 饺子
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AI Study Notes for 饺子
Quick Contrast
饺子 (jiǎozi) vs 包子 (bāozi): Choose 饺子 when referring specifically to dumplings that are wrapped and can be boiled or fried, while 包子 refers to buns that are typically steamed and have a thicker dough.
Usage Notes
饺子 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but is especially common during celebrations. Learners should note that the measure word used is '个' (gè) or '只' (zhī), depending on context. Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing 'jiǎo' could lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 饺子 is a great example of food-related vocabulary. Students should focus on its pronunciation and use in sentences, as well as its cultural significance during festivals, which connects to other HSK Level 4 words related to celebrations.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 饺子 (jiǎozi) with 包子 (bāozi), which are buns rather than dumplings. For example, saying '我想吃包子' (wǒ xiǎng chī bāozi) when you mean to say '饺子' would indicate a different dish.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 饺子
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饺子 (jiǎozi) refers to a traditional Chinese dumpling that is typically filled with meat and vegetables, wrapped in a thin dough. They are often boiled, steamed, or pan-fried and are a popular dish during festivals, especially the Lunar New Year. In everyday contexts, they symbolize reunion and family gatherings.
When to use 饺子
饺子 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but is especially common during celebrations. Learners should note that the measure word used is '个' (gè) or '只' (zhī), depending on context. Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing 'jiǎo' could lead to confusion with other words.
饺子 or something close to it
饺子 (jiǎozi) vs 包子 (bāozi): Choose 饺子 when referring specifically to dumplings that are wrapped and can be boiled or fried, while 包子 refers to buns that are typically steamed and have a thicker dough.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is confusing 饺子 (jiǎozi) with 包子 (bāozi), which are buns rather than dumplings. For example, saying '我想吃包子' (wǒ xiǎng chī bāozi) when you mean to say '饺子' would indicate a different dish.
Write 饺子
饺
子
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Grammar Patterns of 饺子
饺子 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 2 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.
