纸杯蛋糕
zhǐbēi dàngāo
The English phrase cupcake is translated into Chinese as 纸杯蛋糕 (zhǐbēi dàngāo). Wiktionary also lists 杯形蛋糕 (bēixíng dàngāo).
Meaning: small cake (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 纸杯蛋糕 | zhǐbēi dàngāo |
| 杯形蛋糕 | bēixíng dàngāo |
The term refers to a small cake.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 纸杯蛋糕 is a literal compound of 纸 (paper), 杯 (cup) and 蛋糕 (cake).
Which one should you use?
纸杯蛋糕 specifically emphasizes the paper cup container, whereas 杯形蛋糕 refers more generally to the cup-shaped form of the cake.
How do you pronounce it?
zhǐbēi dàngāo
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese social media, highly decorated cupcakes are often called 网红蛋糕 (Internet-famous cakes) to describe trendy, photogenic versions.
- Chinese speakers often use the word 点心 (dim sum) as a broad category for any small snack or treat, which can include a 纸杯蛋糕 in a modern cafe setting.
- Unlike in the US where cupcakes are a staple, 纸杯蛋糕 is a relatively recent import to China and is often associated with 'Western-style' luxury or youth cafe culture.
Examples in context
- 我买了一个纸杯蛋糕。Wǒ mǎile yīgè zhǐbēi dàngāo.I bought a cupcake.
- 这些纸杯蛋糕看起来很甜。Zhèxiē zhǐbēi dàngāo kàn qǐlái hěn tián.These cupcakes look very sweet.
- 你想吃纸杯蛋糕吗？Nǐ xiǎng chī zhǐbēi dàngāo ma?Do you want to eat a cupcake?
Example conversation
Haoran and Yuting are sharing snacks at a cafe.
- 浩然 Haoran雨婷，你要吃这个纸杯蛋糕吗？Yǔtíng, nǐ yào chī zhège zhǐbēi dàngāo ma?Yuting, do you want to eat this cupcake?
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你，浩然。我很喜欢吃甜点。Xièxiè nǐ, Hàorán. Wǒ hěn xǐhuān chī tiándiǎn.Thank you, Haoran. I really like eating sweets.
- 浩然 Haoran这个味道非常不错。Zhège wèidào fēicháng bùcuò.This taste is very good.
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，味道很棒。Shì de, wèidào hěn bàng.Yes, the taste is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cupcake” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
