鳀鱼
tíyú
The English word "anchovies" is 鳀鱼 (tíyú) in Mandarin.
鳀鱼 refers to small, salty fish often used as a topping for pizza or as a seasoning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly Southern China, the term 凤尾鱼 (meaning "phoenix-tail fish") is used to refer to anchovies.
How do you pronounce it?
tíyú
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, the word for fish 鱼 sounds like the word for 'surplus' 余, making any dish containing fish a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
- In China, small salted fish like 鳀鱼 are often paired with congee for breakfast rather than being used as a pizza topping.
- While 鳀鱼 describes the species, Chinese home cooks often use the term 小鱼干 (meaning 'small dried fish') when referring to the salty, preserved version used in cooking.
Examples in context
- 在这道菜中，你需要添加一些鳀鱼。In this dish, you need to add some anchovies.
- 这种鳀鱼的味道很咸。Zhè zhǒng yānyú de wèidào hěn xián.This kind of anchovy tastes very salty.
Example conversation
A woman is deciding what toppings to add to her pizza.
- 俊杰 Junjie你想在披萨里加什么？Nǐ xiǎng zài pī sà lǐ jiā shén me?What do you want to add to the pizza?
- 欣怡 Xinyi我想要加鳀鱼。Wǒ xiǎng yào jiā yānyú.I want to add anchovies.
- 俊杰 Junjie你真的喜欢吃鳀鱼吗？Nǐ zhēn de xǐ huān chī yānyú ma?Do you really like eating anchovies?
- 欣怡 Xinyi是的，我很喜欢那个味道。Shì de, wǒ hěn xǐ huān nà ge wèi dào.Yes, I really like that flavor.
