锅贴
guōtiē
The English phrase "potstickers" is translated into Chinese as 锅贴 (guōtiē).
锅贴 refers specifically to pan-fried dumplings that are typically browned on the bottom and steamed on the top.
What does it mean word for word?
The name is composed of 锅 (guō), meaning 'pot' or 'pan' and 贴 (tiē), meaning 'to stick' or 'to paste'.
Which one should you use?
While 锅贴 refers specifically to pan-fried potstickers, the term 饺子 (jiǎozi) is a more general term used for all boiled or steamed dumplings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the traditional Chinese character 鍋 is used instead of 锅 in the term 鍋貼.
How do you pronounce it?
guōtiē
Did you know?
- During the Lunar New Year, 饺子 are eaten to bring wealth because their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots, a symbolic meaning that extends to 锅贴 as well.
- The character 贴 (tiē) in 锅贴 is the same one used for 'postage stamp' or 'sticker' in Chinese.
- In some parts of China, 锅贴 are viewed as a quick breakfast item from street vendors rather than a formal dinner dish.
Examples in context
- 小弟, 我要一份锅贴和一碗面条.Waiter, I would like an order of potstickers and a bowl of noodles.
- 这家店的锅贴很好吃。Zhè jiā diàn de guōtiē hěn hǎochī.The potstickers at this shop are delicious.
- 我们要一份锅贴吗？Wǒmen yào yī fèn guōtiē ma?Do we want an order of potstickers?
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to order for lunch at a restaurant.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨婷，你想吃什么？Yǔtíng, nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?Yuting, what do you want to eat?
- 雨婷 Yuting我想吃锅贴。Wǒ xiǎng chī guōtiē.I want to eat potstickers.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好啊，我也很喜欢锅贴。Hǎo a, wǒ yě hěn xǐhuān guōtiē.Okay, I like potstickers a lot too.
- 雨婷 Yuting那我们点一份吧。Nà wǒmen diǎn yī fèn ba.Then let's order one portion.
