罗勒
luólè
The English word basil is translated into Chinese as 罗勒 (luólè).
罗勒 refers to the herb basil. It should be distinguished from the male given name, which is transliterated into Chinese as 巴茲爾 / 巴兹尔 or 巴西爾 / 巴西尔.
Meaning: herb (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 罗勒 is the general botanical term for basil, the term 九层塔 is often used in culinary contexts to refer specifically to varieties like Thai basil or holy basil.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, 四季香 is an alternative term for basil. In Taiwanese Mandarin, the term 九层塔 is specifically used for Thai basil.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
luólè
Did you know?
- In many Chinese cooking contexts, you will see the term 九层塔 instead of the botanical 罗勒. The name literally translates to 'nine-layered pagoda tower', referring to the structure of the plant's leaves.
- The characters in 罗勒 are purely phonetic, meaning they were chosen to mimic the sound of the word 'basil' rather than to describe the plant itself.
- In southern China and Taiwan, 九层塔 is an essential ingredient in the famous 'three-cup chicken' dish, where it is added at the very end to preserve its scent.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢把九层塔撒在泰式鸡肉上。I like to sprinkle Thai basil on Thai-style chicken.
- 在炒菜时，加一些罗勒可以增添芳香。Adding some basil while stir-frying dishes can enhance the aroma.
- 这种菜里放了罗勒。zhè zhǒng cài lǐ fàng le luóle.This dish has basil in it.
- 我需要买一些新鲜的罗勒。wǒ xūyào mǎi yì xiē xīnxiān de luóle.I need to buy some fresh basil.
- 罗勒的味道非常香。luóle de wèidào fēicháng xiāng.The smell of basil is very fragrant.
Example conversation
In a grocery store, the two are looking for ingredients.
- 浩然 Haoran雨婷，我们要找罗勒吗？yǔtíng, wǒmen yào zhǎo luóle ma?Yuting, are we looking for basil?
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，我想用罗勒做意面。shì de, wǒ xiǎng yòng luóle zuò yìmiàn.Yes, I want to use basil to make pasta.
- 浩然 Haoran那就在那边买吧。nà jiù zài nàbiān mǎi ba.Then let's buy it over there.
- 雨婷 Yuting好的，浩然。hǎo de, hàorán.Okay, Haoran.
