平底锅
píngdǐguō
In Chinese, the word for pan is 平底锅 (píngdǐguō).
The term 平底锅 refers specifically to a flat-bottomed pan. For a more general term for a pan or pot in Standard Mandarin, you can use 锅.
Meaning: flat vessel used for cooking (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 平底锅 is composed of 平 (flat), 底 (bottom) and 锅 (pot/pan).
Which one should you use?
While 平底锅 describes a flat-bottomed pan, 炒锅 is the more common term for a traditional Chinese wok used for stir-frying.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern China, such as Guangdong and Guangxi, the term 镬 is used to refer to a pan. In Northeastern China, the term 大锅子 is used to describe a large-size pan or a wok.
How do you pronounce it?
píngdǐguō
Did you know?
- The phrase 背锅 (to carry the pot) is a common modern idiom meaning to take the blame or be the scapegoat for someone else's mistake.
- In ancient China, the 鼎 (ding), a prehistoric type of tripod pan or cauldron, became a symbol of imperial power and the right to rule the state.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the 锅 (pot) is often used as a metaphor for a collective or group, as seen in the phrase 一锅端, which means to wipe out an entire group in one go.
Examples in context
- 用纸巾把平底锅擦干。Wipe the pan dry with a paper towel.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use the word 平底锅 in the context of cleaning.Tatoeba #8574659 by slo_oth, translation #8574335 by CK
- 我需要一个大锅来烹制晚餐。I need a large pan to cook dinner.
- 请把食材放入平底锅里。Please put the ingredients into the frying pan.
- 这个锅子太小，不够炒菜。This pan is too small, not enough for stir-frying.
- 他用煎锅煎了两个鸡蛋。He fried two eggs using a frying pan.
- 请借我一个镬，我想做炒饭。Please lend me a pan, I want to make fried rice.
- 我的大锅子适合煮汤。My big pan is suitable for boiling soup.
- 这个平底锅很沉。Zhège píngdǐguō hěn chén.This pan is very heavy.
- 我买了一个新的平底锅。Wǒ mǎile yīgè xīn de píngdǐguō.I bought a new pan.
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing dinner.
- 佳怡 Jiayi俊杰，你的平底锅在哪儿？Jùnjié, nǐ de píngdǐguō zài nǎ'er?Junjie, where is your pan?
- 俊杰 Junjie就在洗手池旁边。Jiù zài xǐshǒu chí pángbiān.It's right next to the sink.
- 佳怡 Jiayi找到了，谢谢你。Zhǎodào le, xièxiè nǐ.Found it, thank you.
- 俊杰 Junjie不客气，快来做饭吧。Bù kèqì, kuài lái zuò fàn ba.You're welcome, come and cook now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
