奶酪 (nǎilào) means 'cheese' in Mandarin. It refers to a dairy product made from curdled milk, commonly used in various cuisines around the world. In China, cheese is not traditionally a staple food, but its popularity has grown in recent years, especially among younger generations and in urban areas.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
nǎilào(nai3lao4) T3
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May 27, 2026
奶酪nǎilào(nai3lao4)
奶酪 (nǎilào) means 'cheese' in Mandarin. It refers to a dairy product made from curdled milk, commonly used in various cuisines around the world. In China, cheese is not traditionally a staple food, but its popularity has grown in recent years, especially among younger generations and in urban areas.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In recent years, cheese has started to gain popularity in China, especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where Western-style dishes are increasingly embraced. This shift reflects broader changes in dietary habits and globalization.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cow (代表奶, 'nǎi') wearing a large cheese hat (酪, 'lào'). Picture it saying 'I love cheese!' as it munches on grass. The cow represents the milk (奶) that is transformed into cheese (酪), helping you remember that 奶酪 is cheese.
About 奶酪
奶酪Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 奶酪
Podcast: 奶酪
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AI Study Notes for 奶酪
Quick Contrast
奶油 (nǎiyóu, cream) - use 奶酪 when referring specifically to cheese, not a dairy product like cream.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cow (代表奶, 'nǎi') wearing a large cheese hat (酪, 'lào'). Picture it saying 'I love cheese!' as it munches on grass. The cow represents the milk (奶) that is transformed into cheese (酪), helping you remember that 奶酪 is cheese.
Usage Notes
奶酪 is typically used in informal contexts, often when discussing food or recipes. Learners should be careful not to confuse it with other dairy products like 牛奶 (milk) or 酸奶 (yogurt). A common collocation is 奶酪披萨 (cheese pizza).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, students should focus on expanding their vocabulary related to food and cooking, as well as understanding culinary terms. Connecting 奶酪 to other food-related vocabulary such as 牛奶 (milk) and 面包 (bread) will enrich their understanding of Chinese cuisine.
Cultural Note
In recent years, cheese has started to gain popularity in China, especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where Western-style dishes are increasingly embraced. This shift reflects broader changes in dietary habits and globalization.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 奶酪 with other dairy products like 牛奶 or 酸奶. For example, saying '我喜欢牛奶' (I like milk) when referring to cheese is incorrect. Instead, use '我喜欢奶酪' (I like cheese).
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 奶酪
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Cultural Notes for 奶酪
🏮Cultural insight
In recent years, cheese has started to gain popularity in China, especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where Western-style dishes are increasingly embraced. This shift reflects broader changes in dietary habits and globalization.
Frequently Asked Questions about 奶酪
You say '奶酪' (nǎilào).
Traditionally, cheese isn't a staple in Chinese cuisine, but it's becoming more popular in modern dishes.
Dishes like 奶酪披萨 (cheese pizza) and various Western-style pasta dishes often use 奶酪.
