焦糖
jiāotáng
The English phrase 'caramel' is translated into Chinese as 焦糖 (jiāotáng).
焦糖 refers to the confection known as caramel.
Meaning: confection (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 焦 (jiāo), meaning burnt or scorched and 糖 (táng), meaning sugar.
How do you pronounce it?
jiāotáng
Did you know?
- The word for sugar 糖 is used in the phrase 糖衣炮弹, which literally means 'sugar-coated cannonballs'. It refers to using bribes or flattery to deceive an enemy.
- In some mainland Chinese regions, you may hear people refer to the specific texture of caramelized sugar as 拉丝 (lā sī), which literally means 'pulling silk'.
- The character 焦 in 焦糖 is also used in the phrase 焦心, which describes someone who is feeling extremely anxious or 'burnt' with worry.
Examples in context
- 你喜欢吃焦糖布丁吗？Do you like caramel pudding?
- 是的，我很喜欢焦糖味道。Yes, I really enjoy the taste of caramel.
- 不，它是用奶糖做的。No, it's made with caramel candy.
- 这块焦糖很好吃。Zhè kuài jiāotáng hěn hǎochī.This piece of caramel is delicious.
- 我喜欢焦糖的味道。Wǒ xǐhuān jiāotáng de wèidào.I like the taste of caramel.
- 请给我一点焦糖。Qǐng gěi wǒ yīdiǎn jiāotáng.Please give me some caramel.
Example conversation
Two friends are sharing a dessert at a cafe.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，这个焦糖布丁怎么样？Hào rán, zhège jiāotáng bùdīng zěnmeyàng?Haoran, how is this caramel pudding?
- 浩然 Haoran味道很不错。Wèidào hěn bùcuò.The taste is very good.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你想再吃一点吗？Nǐ xiǎng zài chī yīdiǎn ma?Do you want to eat a little more?
- 浩然 Haoran不用了，谢谢佳怡。Bù yòng le, xièxiè Jiāyí.No thanks, thank you Jiayi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “caramel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
