sauce, paste, jam

JLPT N5 13 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (jiàng) primarily refers to various types of sauces or pastes used in Chinese cooking, such as soy sauce (酱油), chili sauce (), or fermented bean paste. It is a common noun in culinary contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 酱油 (jiàngyóu): soy sauce, essential in Chinese cuisine.
  • (làjiàng): spicy sauce, often used as a condiment.
  • (dòubàn jiàng): fermented broad bean paste, used in Sichuan dishes.

Usage Notes

is almost always used as a noun referring to a condiment or sauce. It can appear alone or as part of compound words naming specific sauces. When used in conversation, mentioning often implies a flavorful or savory addition to food.

Common Confusions

Do not confuse (sauce) with (fermentation) or (sour). Also, is different from , which is a more general term for sauces and seasonings but less commonly used in everyday speech.

Register and Tone

is a neutral, everyday word used in both formal and informal contexts related to food. It is not used metaphorically or in abstract senses.

Example Sentences

This dish needs a little sauce to enhance the flavor.

He likes to dip fried chicken in spicy sauce.

Soy sauce is one of the most commonly used seasonings in Chinese cuisine.