牛肚
niúdù
The English phrase 'tripe' is translated into Chinese as 牛肚 (niúdù).
牛肚 refers to the stomach lining of an animal, specifically used as a food item.
Meaning: stomach lining of animal for food (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 牛 (niú) meaning 'cow/beef' and 肚 (dù) meaning 'stomach/belly'.
How do you pronounce it?
niúdù
Did you know?
- While 牛肚 refers to beef tripe, you might see the term 毛肚 (máo dù) on a menu, which literally means 'hair stomach'.
- The term 牛 (niú) is also used in the popular Chinese slang 'niu' to describe someone who is 'awesome' or 'capable'.
- Unlike in some English-speaking cultures where tripe is seen as 'peasant food', 牛肚 is a highly sought-after delicacy in many high-end Chinese restaurants.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢吃牛肚。Wǒ xǐhuān chī niúdù.I like eating tripe.
- 这个牛肚很Q弹。Zhège niúdù hěn Q tán.This tripe is very chewy.
- 请给我一盘牛肚。Qǐng gěi wǒ yī pán niúdù.Please give me a plate of tripe.
Example conversation
A couple is ordering food at a hotpot restaurant.
- 浩然 Haoran梓涵，你想吃什么？Zǐhán, nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?Zihan, what do you want to eat?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想吃牛肚。Wǒ xiǎng chī niúdù.I want to eat tripe.
- 浩然 Haoran好，那我们也点一份蔬菜。Hǎo, nà wǒmen yě diǎn yī fèn shūcài.Okay, let's also order a portion of vegetables.
- 梓涵 Zihan没问题，浩然。Méi wèntí, Hàorán.No problem, Haoran.
