蒸
zhēng
The English word "steamed" is translated into Chinese as 蒸 (zhēng). If unsure, use 蒸. Wiktionary also lists 清蒸 (qīngzhēng).
Meaning: having been cooked by exposure to steam (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 蒸 | zhēng |
| 清蒸 | qīngzhēng |
In a culinary context, 蒸 can function as both a verb, meaning "to steam," and as an adjective to describe a dish that is "steamed".
What does it mean word for word?
The word 蒸 literally means to steam or to steam-cook.
Which one should you use?
While 蒸 is the general verb for steaming, 清蒸 refers specifically to a cooking style where food is steamed simply, often with minimal seasoning to preserve its natural flavor.
How do you pronounce it?
zhēng
Did you know?
- The idiom 蒸蒸日上, containing the word for 'steamed', is used to describe a business or a situation that is rapidly improving and thriving.
- The radical at the top of 蒸 is actually 'grass' 艸, despite the fact that steaming relies on heat and water rather than vegetation.
- In Chinese culture, 清蒸 is considered the gold standard for preparing whole fish because the method is believed to signify purity and respect the ingredient.
Examples in context
- 叫个清蒸鲈鱼好呢，还是蚝油牛肉好？Should we order the steamed perch or the beef with oyster sauce?This sentence uses 蒸 to suggest ordering a dish of steamed perch.Tatoeba #420300 by sysko, translation #13540922 by LeviHighway
- 我想吃蒸魚。I want to eat steamed fish.
- 請給我一個蒸蛋。Please give me a steamed egg.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to order for lunch.
- 俊杰 Junjie你想吃蒸饺吗？Nǐ xiǎng chī zhēng jiǎo ma?Do you want to eat steamed dumplings?
- 梓涵 Zihan好啊，我也很喜欢吃蒸饺。Hǎo a, wǒ yě hěn xǐhuān chī zhēng jiǎo.Sure, I also really like eating steamed dumplings.
- 俊杰 Junjie那我们点一份吧。Nà wǒmen diǎn yī fèn ba.Then let's order one portion.
- 梓涵 Zihan没问题，俊杰。Méi wèntí, Jùnjié.No problem, Junjie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steamed” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
