filling, stuffing

JLPT N5 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The word '' (xiàn) refers specifically to the filling or stuffing inside food items such as dumplings, buns, or pastries. It usually consists of meat, vegetables, or a mixture, often seasoned to enhance flavor.

Common Collocations

  • 饺子 (dumpling filling): the mixture inside dumplings
  • 包子 (steamed bun filling): the stuffing inside steamed buns
  • (minced meat filling): ground meat used as filling

Usage Notes

'' is a noun and is almost always used to describe the edible filling inside food. It is not used metaphorically or in abstract senses. When talking about making or preparing food, '' often appears with verbs like '' (make), '' (season), or '' (wrap).

Common Confusions

Do not confuse '' with '馅儿' (xiànr), which is a colloquial variant with the same meaning. Both are interchangeable, but '馅儿' is more common in northern Chinese dialects.

Summary

Understanding '' is essential for discussing Chinese cuisine, especially when describing ingredients inside various stuffed foods. It helps learners talk about cooking, recipes, and food preferences naturally.

Example Sentences

There are many kinds of dumpling fillings, such as pork filling, cabbage

The filling inside the steamed bun needs to be well seasoned so that it

"Mom taught me how to make the filling: first chop the meat finely, then add