有嚼劲
yǒu jiáojìn
有嚼劲 (yǒu jiáojìn) is the Chinese way to say "chewy".
有嚼劲 is used to describe food that has a pliable, springy or satisfyingly elastic texture when chewed. In more formal descriptions of food texture, you may encounter the term 口感 (Kougan), which translates to "mouthfeel" and can encompass the concept of chewiness.
Meaning: having a pliable or springy texture when chewed (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 有 (to have), 嚼 (to chew) and 劲 (strength, vigor or elasticity). Literally, it means "has chewing strength/vigor".
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between a pleasant texture and an unpleasant one. While 有嚼劲 is a compliment, if food is unpleasantly tough or rubbery, you should use 太韧了 (tài rèn le) instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that something is "very" chewy, add 很 (hěn) before the phrase to form 很有嚼劲 (hěn yǒu jiáojìn).
How do you pronounce it?
yǒu jiáojìn
Did you know?
- The word 劲 (jìn) used in 有嚼劲 is the same term used to describe the tension in a bowstring or a person's physical energy.
- While English speakers often think of 'chewy' in relation to sweets or candies, in China, it is a top compliment for the texture of noodles and fish balls.
- The concept of 'mouthfeel' 口感 (kǒugǎn) is treated as a distinct flavor profile in Chinese cuisine rather than a secondary characteristic.
Examples in context
- 这个面条很有嚼劲。Zhège miàntiáo hěn yǒu jiáojìn.This noodle is very chewy.
- 我喜欢有嚼劲的肉。Wǒ xǐhuān yǒu jiáojìn de ròu.I like chewy meat.
- 这种面包很有嚼劲。Zhè zhǒng miànbāo hěn yǒu jiáojìn.This kind of bread is quite chewy.
Example conversation
Haoran and Yuting are eating at a noodle shop.
- 浩然 Haoran这碗面怎么样？Zhè wǎn miàn zěnmeyàng?How is this bowl of noodles?
- 雨婷 Yuting面条很有嚼劲，非常好吃。Miàntiáo hěn yǒu jiáojìn, fēicháng hǎochī.The noodles are very chewy and delicious.
- 浩然 Haoran你喜欢这种口感吗？Nǐ xǐhuān zhè zhǒng kǒugǎn ma?Do you like this texture?
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，我很喜欢。Shì de, wǒ hěn xǐhuān.Yes, I like it a lot.
