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March 24, 2026
酿(釀)niàng(niang4)
The character 酿 (niàng) primarily means 'to ferment' or 'to brew,' often used in the context of making alcoholic beverages such as wine or beer. It can also refer to the gradual formation of something, like a relationship or idea, and is associated with cooking methods involving stuffed vegetables. This character implies a process that takes time and careful attention.
Strokes14Radical酉Frequency#13984DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
酿 is significant in Chinese culture as it relates to traditional practices of brewing rice wine, which is often used in festivals and ceremonies. The art of fermentation is celebrated in various regional cuisines, showcasing the importance of food preparation in Chinese heritage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef (the radical 酉 representing wine) in a brewery where he 'brews' (niàng) a magical potion that not only ferments but also creates stuffed vegetables. Visualize him stirring a bubbling pot, with the aroma of fermentation filling the air, linking the sound 'niàng' to the act of brewing.
Meanings of 酿
niàng(niang4)
1to ferment
2to brew
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 酿
酿Simplified
釀Traditional
14Strokes
酉Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#13984Frequency Rank
Podcast: 酿
Podcast: 酿
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AI Study Notes for 酿
Quick Contrast
酿 (niàng) vs 制 (zhì) — use 酿 when referring specifically to fermentation processes, while 制 is more general for making or producing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef (the radical 酉 representing wine) in a brewery where he 'brews' (niàng) a magical potion that not only ferments but also creates stuffed vegetables. Visualize him stirring a bubbling pot, with the aroma of fermentation filling the air, linking the sound 'niàng' to the act of brewing.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 酿 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings, such as 量 (liàng, to measure). This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its culinary connotations when used in cooking discussions. Common collocations include 酿酒 (niàngjiǔ, to brew wine) and 酿造 (niàngzào, to produce or manufacture).
HSK Study Tips
While 酿 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to HSK Level 3 and 4 words related to food and drink, such as 食 (shí, food) and 饮 (yǐn, drink). Students should focus on understanding its application in culinary contexts and its connection to processes.
Cultural Note
酿 is significant in Chinese culture as it relates to traditional practices of brewing rice wine, which is often used in festivals and ceremonies. The art of fermentation is celebrated in various regional cuisines, showcasing the importance of food preparation in Chinese heritage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 酿 with 量 (liàng), mistakenly using it to mean 'measure.' For example, saying '我想酿这个' (Wǒ xiǎng niàng zhège) when they mean 'I want to measure this' is incorrect; it should be '我想量这个' (Wǒ xiǎng liàng zhège).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 酿
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Grammar Patterns of 酿
酿 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
两个____酒地区之间有着显著的差别。
There are obvious distinctions between the two wine-making areas.
Example Sentences for 酿 (10)
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1
两个酿酒地区之间有着显著的差别。
liǎng gè niàng jiǔ dì qū zhī jiān yǒu zháo xiǎn zhù de chà bié。
There are obvious distinctions between the two wine-making areas.
2
2003年是特别好的酿酒年份。
2003 2003 nián shì tè bié hǎo de niàng jiǔ nián。
2003 was a particularly fine vintage.
3
许多如此酿制的葡萄酒都不像最初的葡萄酒那样耐人品味。
xǔ duō rú cǐ niàng zhì de pú táo jiǔ dū bù xiàng zuì chū de pú táo jiǔ nà yàng nài rén pǐn wèi。
Many of the resulting wines lack the subtlety of the original model.
4
和葡萄酒不同的是，白兰地只能在木制容器而非玻璃容器里酿制。
hé pú táo jiǔ bù tóng de shì， ， bái lán dì zhī néng zài mù zhì róng qì ér fēi bō lí róng qì lǐ niàng。
Unlike wine, brandy matures only in wood, not glass.
wǒ yì shí dào zì jǐ yīn shū hū ér niàng chéng dà cuò.
I saw that I had been guilty of a careless blunder.
10
她把他收藏的陈年佳酿装进板条箱里。
tā bǎ tā shōu cáng de chén nián jiā niàng zhuāng jìn bǎn tiáo xiāng lǐ。
She loaded up his collection of vintage wines into crates.
Cultural Notes for 酿
🏮Cultural insight
酿 is significant in Chinese culture as it relates to traditional practices of brewing rice wine, which is often used in festivals and ceremonies. The art of fermentation is celebrated in various regional cuisines, showcasing the importance of food preparation in Chinese heritage.
Word Family of 酿
Words Containing This Character7
酝酿yùnniàng(of alcohol) to ferment醞釀
酿酒to brew wine釀酒
酿niàngto brew釀
酿成to lead to釀成
酿造niàngzàoto brew釀造
佳酿excellent wine佳釀
酿酒业brewing industry釀酒業
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 酝酿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 酿
酿 specifically refers to the process of fermentation or brewing, while other characters may refer to cooking methods or food types without the fermentation aspect.
Yes, it can describe gradual formation in abstract contexts, like ideas or relationships, but its primary use is culinary.
The pronunciation is 'niàng,' with a falling tone, so ensure you emphasize that downward pitch.
