松露
sōnglù
The English word "truffle" is translated into Mandarin as 松露 (sōnglù).
松露 is a noun used to refer to a truffle.
Meaning: tuber (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 松 (sōng), meaning pine and 露 (lù), meaning dew.
Which one should you use?
The formal term for black truffle is 黑松露.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is sōnglù.
Did you know?
- While 松露 literally mentions pine trees, many truffles in China are found near broadleaf trees. The name persists as a linguistic fossil from early descriptions of the fungi.
- The character 露 in 松露 also means 'dew' and is used in the word for 'reveal' or 'expose' 透露. This reflects the truffle's nature as something hidden that must be uncovered from the earth.
- The character 松 (sōng) refers to the pine tree, which is a symbol of longevity and constancy in Chinese culture.
Examples in context
- 在这家高级餐厅，我想尝一尝黑松露口味的菜肴。(Zài zhè jiā gāo jí cān tīng, wǒ xiǎng cháng yī cháng hēi sōng lù kǒu wèi de cài yáo.)In this upscale restaurant, I would like to try a dish with black truffle flavor.
- 这种松露的味道很香。zhè zhǒng sōnglù de wèidào hěn xiāng.This kind of truffle smells wonderful.
- 他在寻找新鲜的黑松露。tā zài xúnzhǎo xīnxiān de hēi sōnglù.He is looking for fresh black truffles.
- 松露的价格非常贵。sōnglù de jiàgé fēicháng guì.The price of truffles is very expensive.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are looking at a dinner menu together.
- 伟 Wei你看，这里有松露意面。Nǐ kàn, zhèlǐ yǒu sōnglù yìmiàn.Look, they have truffle pasta here.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也想尝尝松露的味道。Wǒ yě xiǎng chángchang sōnglù de wèidào.I want to taste the flavor of truffle too.
- 伟 Wei那我们就点一份吧。Nà wǒmen jiù diǎn yī fèn ba.Then let's order one.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好，我们一起分享。Hǎo, wǒmen yīqǐ fēnxiǎng.Okay, we will share it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “truffle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
