鸡蛋面
jīdànmiàn
The English phrase "egg noodle" is 鸡蛋面 (jīdànmiàn) in Chinese.
Meaning: egg noodle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of 鸡蛋 (jīdàn), meaning 'egg' and 面 (miàn), meaning 'noodle'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Shanghai, the term used is 蛋面 and in Cantonese, it is commonly known as 蛋面. In some regions, particularly Northern China, the informal term 蛋面儿 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, 鸡蛋面 does not change its form for pluralization.
How do you pronounce it?
jīdànmiàn
Did you know?
- The word 面 (miàn) is a homonym for 'face', allowing for social puns where the act of eating noodles can be metaphorically linked to 'saving face' or maintaining reputation.
- In many Chinese regions, noodles like 鸡蛋面 are traditionally served long and uncut to symbolize a long life. Cutting the noodles during preparation is often avoided during birthday celebrations as it is seen as a bad omen.
- While 鸡蛋面 implies the use of eggs, the springy texture and yellow color of many Chinese noodles actually come from an alkaline mineral called 'kansui' rather than egg yolks.
Examples in context
- 这碗鸡蛋面很好吃。Zhè wǎn jīdànmiàn hěn hǎochī.This bowl of egg noodles is delicious.
- 请给我一份鸡蛋面。Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn jīdànmiàn.Please give me an order of egg noodles.
Example conversation
At a small noodle shop during lunch.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你今天想吃什么？Nǐ jīntiān xiǎng chī shénme?What do you want to eat today?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想吃鸡蛋面。Wǒ xiǎng chī jīdànmiàn.I want to eat egg noodles.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这里的鸡蛋面很有名。Zhèlǐ de jīdànmiàn hěn yǒumíng.The egg noodles here are very famous.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我们快点点餐吧。Nà wǒmen kuài diǎn cān ba.Then let's order quickly.
