Meanings of 酝酿
By ear
Play it, then pick what 酝酿 means.
About 酝酿
Podcast: 酝酿
Podcast: 酝酿
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 酝酿
酿造 (niàngzào) - use 酝酿 for gradual development or thoughtful consideration, while 酿造 is more focused on the technical process of brewing.
酝酿 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions of planning or developing ideas. Common collocations include '酝酿计划' (to formulate a plan) or '酝酿危机' (to be on the verge of a crisis). Be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing either character can alter the meaning.
As an HSK 6 word, 酝酿 connects well with other words related to processes and development, such as 发展 (to develop) and 成长 (to grow). Students should focus on its dual meanings in both literal fermentation and metaphorical contexts.
Learners often confuse 酝酿 with similar words like 发展 (fāzhǎn), thinking they mean the same thing, but 发展 focuses more on growth rather than the brewing or fermentation aspect. A common error is saying '酝酿一个计划' instead of '酝酿计划'.
Pronunciation of 酝酿
Drill the tone of 酝酿 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 酝酿 to You
Let me explain 酝酿 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 酝酿 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 酝酿?
Learning Lab
Knowing 酝酿 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say (of alcohol) to ferment in Chinese
“(of alcohol) to ferment” in Chinese is酝酿
酝酿 refers to the process of fermentation, particularly in the context of alcohol production, but it can also describe the brewing of a crisis or the thoughtful consideration of an issue. It conveys a sense of gradual development and maturation, whether that be in brewing drinks or in deliberating complex matters.
When to use 酝酿
酝酿 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions of planning or developing ideas. Common collocations include '酝酿计划' (to formulate a plan) or '酝酿危机' (to be on the verge of a crisis). Be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing either character can alter the meaning.
酝酿 or something close to it
酿造 (niàngzào) - use 酝酿 for gradual development or thoughtful consideration, while 酿造 is more focused on the technical process of brewing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 酝酿 with similar words like 发展 (fāzhǎn), thinking they mean the same thing, but 发展 focuses more on growth rather than the brewing or fermentation aspect. A common error is saying '酝酿一个计划' instead of '酝酿计划'.
Write 酝酿
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 酝酿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 酝酿
酝酿 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
意大利香醋在木桶中就经历了至少10年的____期，所以口味极佳。
Balsamic vinegar is aged in wood for at least 10 years and the flavour is wonderful.
Example Sentences for 酝酿 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 酝酿?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 酝酿
酝酿 can be used when discussing both the fermentation of alcoholic beverages and the process of developing ideas or plans.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 酝酿?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.