鸡汤
jītāng
The English phrase "chicken soup" is translated into Chinese as 鸡汤 (jītāng).
鸡汤 refers to a soup made from chicken and vegetables. In a metaphorical sense, it can also refer to "chicken soup for the soul," which describes inspirational or motivational content that is often perceived as being overly sentimental or cliché.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 鸡 (jī), meaning chicken and 汤 (tāng), meaning soup.
How do you pronounce it?
jītāng
Did you know?
- There is a specific sub-genre of internet content called 毒鸡汤 or 'poisonous chicken soup', which consists of motivational quotes that take a sudden, dark or cynical turn.
- The character 汤 can refer to both a soup and a bath in ancient Chinese, as both involve soaking something in hot water.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, 鸡汤 is not just a meal but is often viewed as a medicinal tonic to restore 'qi' and energy after illness.
Examples in context
- 清炖鸡汤 (qīng dùn jī tāng)Clear stewed chicken soup
- 滋补鸡汤 (zī bǔ jī tāng)Nourishing chicken soup
- 香辣鸡汤 (xiāng là jī tāng)Spicy chicken soup
- 这碗鸡汤很鲜。Zhè wǎn jītāng hěn xiān.This bowl of chicken soup is very delicious.
- 我最喜欢喝鸡汤。Wǒ zuì xǐhuān hē jītāng.I like drinking chicken soup the most.
- 奶奶正在煮鸡汤。Nǎinai zhèngzài zhǔ jītāng.Grandmother is cooking chicken soup right now.
Example conversation
Wei is visiting Zihan at her home.
- 梓涵 Zihan伟，快来喝点鸡汤。Wěi, kuài lái hē diǎn jītāng.Wei, come and have some chicken soup.
- 伟 Wei太感谢了，真的很香。Tài gǎnxiè le, zhēn de hěn xiāng.Thank you so much, it smells great.
- 梓涵 Zihan这是我特意为你准备的。Zhè shì wǒ tèyì wèi nǐ zhǔnbèi de.I prepared this specially for you.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，你太客气了。Zǐhán, nǐ tài kèqi le.Zihan, you are too kind.
