外皮
wàipí
The English phrase 'crust' (referring to the bread foundation of a pizza) is translated into Chinese as 外皮 (wàipí).
The term 炸饼皮 can be used when referring to crispy wonton wrappers.
Meaning: bread foundation of pizza (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 外皮 is composed of 外 (outside) and 皮 (skin/surface), literally meaning 'outer skin'.
Which one should you use?
While 外皮 refers to the outer surface, 饼底 (bǐngdǐ) is often used specifically in a culinary context to refer to the pizza crust or the dough base itself.
How do you pronounce it?
wàipí
Did you know?
- While 外皮 is a general term, the word 皮 can also be used as a slang adjective to describe someone who is 'cheeky' or a 'rascal'.
- The character 皮 is pictographically derived from the image of hide or leather, which is why it is applied to the 'leathery' or 'skin-like' exterior of baked goods.
- The term 饼 (bǐng) used in 饼底 is a massive category in Chinese culture that covers everything from pancakes to mooncakes and biscuits.
Examples in context
- 这个披萨的外皮很脆。Zhège pīsà de wàipí hěn cuì.This pizza's crust is very crispy.
- 披萨的外皮烤得很好。Pīsà de wàipí kǎo de hěn hǎo.The pizza crust is baked well.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are sharing a pizza at a restaurant.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你看这个披萨的外皮。Jiāyí, nǐ kàn zhège pīsà de wàipí.Jiayi, look at this pizza crust.
- 佳怡 Jiayi它看起来真的很香。Tā kàn qǐlái zhēn de hěn xiāng.It looks really delicious.
- 伟 Wei外皮咬起来很有嚼劲。Wàipí yǎo qǐlái hěn yǒu jiáojìn.The crust has a nice chew to it.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也觉得这个外皮很棒。Wǒ yě juédé zhège wàipí hěn bàng.I also think this crust is great.
