蒸蛋
zhēngdàn
In Chinese, "steamed egg" is called 蒸蛋 (zhēngdàn). Wiktionary also lists 雞蛋羹 / 鸡蛋羹 (jīdàngēng) and 蒸水蛋 (zhēngshuǐdàn).
Meaning: beaten eggs and water steamed until firm (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 蒸蛋 | zhēngdàn |
| 雞蛋羹 / 鸡蛋羹 | jīdàngēng |
| 蒸水蛋 | zhēngshuǐdàn |
The term refers to a dish made of beaten eggs and water that has been steamed until firm. While 蒸蛋 is a generic term for any steamed egg dish, more specific names are used to describe the texture of the dish.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 蒸 (zhēng) means steamed. In the term 鸡蛋羹, the character 羹 refers to a thick soup or a porridge-like consistency.
Which one should you use?
蒸蛋 is a generic term for any steamed egg dish. In contrast, 鸡蛋羹 specifically implies a smooth, custard-like texture, which is achieved by straining the egg mixture. You may also see the shortened form 蛋羹, which is a common way to refer to this egg custard dish.
How do you pronounce it?
zhēngdàn
Did you know?
- A perfectly cooked 蒸蛋 should have no bubbles or holes on its surface. In Chinese food culture, a surface as smooth as a mirror is a way for a cook to prove their skill to guests.
- The character 羹 in 鸡蛋羹 was originally used in ancient texts to describe thick meat stews rather than egg custards.
- In Chinese households, 蒸蛋 is often considered the ultimate 'comfort food' for children or the sick because its soft texture makes it easy to swallow and digest.
Examples in context
- 你好，我想点一份蒸蛋。Hello, I would like to order a steamed egg.
- 蒸蛋的做法很简单。The method for steamed egg is very simple.
- 这碗蒸蛋很好吃。Zhè wǎn zhēngdàn hěn hǎochī.This bowl of steamed egg is delicious.
- 我想吃一份蒸蛋。Wǒ xiǎng chī yī fèn zhēngdàn.I want to eat a serving of steamed egg.
- 妈妈做了简单的蒸蛋。Māma zuòle jiǎndān de zhēngdàn.Mom made a simple steamed egg.
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are deciding what to have for dinner.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，今晚想吃什么？Xiǎowén, jīnwǎn xiǎng chī shénme?Xiaowen, what do you want to eat tonight?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我想吃简单的蒸蛋。Wǒ xiǎng chī jiǎndān de zhēng dàn.I want to eat some simple steamed egg.
- 伟 Wei没问题，我来做。Méi wèntí, wǒ lái zuò.No problem, I will make it.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen太好了，谢谢你，伟！Tài hǎo le, xièxie nǐ, Wěi!Great, thank you, Wei!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steamed egg” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
