虾炒饭
xiā chǎofàn
Shrimp fried rice in Mandarin is 虾炒饭 (xiā chǎofàn).
This phrase refers to a dish of fried rice cooked with pieces of shrimp.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 虾 (shrimp), 炒 (to fry/stir-fry) and 饭 (rice).
Which one should you use?
While 虾炒饭 is a standard way to name the dish, you may often see 虾仁炒饭 on menus. This version specifically refers to using 虾仁 (xiārén), which means peeled shrimp meat.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 虾炒饭, the noun 虾 (shrimp) acts as a modifier for the compound noun 炒饭 (fried rice).
How do you pronounce it?
xiā chǎofàn
Did you know?
- In Chinese culinary culture, the word 仁 (rén) in 虾仁 (xiārén) literally translates to 'kernel' or 'heart', as if the shrimp meat were a nut or a fruit seed.
- If you see the term 隔夜饭 (gè yè fàn) mentioned in a recipe for this dish, it refers to 'overnight rice'. Using fresh, steaming rice for this dish is actually considered a mistake because it prevents the grains from staying distinct and firm.
- The character 炒 (chǎo) refers to the creation of 'wok hei' or 'breath of the wok', which is the charred aroma produced by high heat and rapid stirring.
Examples in context
- 我想要一份虾炒饭。Wǒ xiǎng yào yí fèn xiā chǎofàn.I would like an order of shrimp fried rice.
- 这盘虾炒饭很好吃。Zhè pán xiā chǎofàn hěn hǎochī.This plate of shrimp fried rice is delicious.
- 你吃过虾炒饭吗？Nǐ chīguò xiā chǎofàn ma?Have you ever eaten shrimp fried rice?
Example conversation
Wei and Xinyi are deciding what to order at a restaurant.
- 伟 Wei欣怡，你想点什么？Xīnyí, nǐ xiǎng diǎn shénme?Xinyi, what do you want to order?
- 欣怡 Xinyi我想点一份虾炒饭。Wǒ xiǎng diǎn yī fèn xiā chǎofàn.I want to order shrimp fried rice.
- 伟 Wei我也点虾炒饭吧。Wǒ yě diǎn xiā chǎofàn ba.I will order shrimp fried rice too.
- 欣怡 Xinyi太好了，我们一起分享。Tài hǎole, wǒmen yīqǐ fēnxiǎng.Great, we can share them.
