Understanding "切菜" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 切菜
• Pinyin: qiē cài
• Literal Meaning: "to cut vegetables"
• Primary Meaning: The action of chopping or slicing vegetables or other ingredients in food preparation.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"切菜" is a common term used in cooking and daily life. It refers to the process of cutting vegetables (or sometimes other ingredients like meat) into smaller pieces for cooking. This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Character Breakdown

• 切 (qiē): Means "to cut" or "to slice."
• 菜 (cài): Means "vegetables" or "dish" (in the context of food).
  Together, they form the phrase "切菜," which specifically refers to the act of cutting vegetables.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 妈妈正在厨房里切菜。
   Pinyin: Māma zhèngzài chúfáng lǐ qiē cài.
   English: Mom is cutting vegetables in the kitchen.

2. Chinese: 切菜的时候要小心别伤到手。
   Pinyin: Qiē cài de shíhou yào xiǎoxīn bié shāng dào shǒu.
   English: Be careful not to hurt your hands when cutting vegetables.

3. Chinese: 他切菜的速度很快。
   Pinyin: Tā qiē cài de sùdù hěn kuài.
   English: He cuts vegetables very quickly.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese cuisine, knife skills (刀工 dāogōng) are highly valued, and "切菜" is a fundamental part of cooking. Different cutting techniques (e.g., slicing, dicing, shredding) are used depending on the dish. Many traditional Chinese dishes require finely chopped ingredients for even cooking and better texture.

Conclusion

"切菜" (qiē cài) is a practical and essential term in Chinese cooking, meaning "to cut vegetables." Remembering this word will help you describe kitchen activities more accurately. Practice using it in sentences to improve your fluency!