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March 24, 2026
蛋糕dàngāo(dan4gao1)
蛋糕 (dàngāo) refers to a cake, a popular dessert often made from flour, sugar, and other ingredients. It is commonly served at celebrations such as birthdays and weddings, and can come in various flavors and styles. The word is used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing food or dessert.
Frequency#1409DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cakes are often associated with Western-style celebrations, especially as they become more popular in cities. The tradition of eating cake on birthdays has become a staple in many households, reflecting the blend of Western and Chinese customs.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big round cake (蛋糕) that looks like a sunny egg (蛋) on top. The '蛋' (dàn) sounds like 'dan' in 'dance' while the '糕' (gāo) can be imagined as a tall tower of cakes, which is something to celebrate and enjoy. Visualize yourself dancing around this cake at a party!
Meanings of 蛋糕
dàngāo(dan4gao1)
1cake
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About 蛋糕
蛋糕Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1409Frequency Rank
块Measure Word
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 蛋糕
Podcast: 蛋糕
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AI Study Notes for 蛋糕
Quick Contrast
饼 (bǐng) vs 蛋糕 (dàngāo): Use 蛋糕 for sweet, layered desserts typically served at celebrations, while 饼 refers to flatbreads or savory pastries.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big round cake (蛋糕) that looks like a sunny egg (蛋) on top. The '蛋' (dàn) sounds like 'dan' in 'dance' while the '糕' (gāo) can be imagined as a tall tower of cakes, which is something to celebrate and enjoy. Visualize yourself dancing around this cake at a party!
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone pronunciation: 蛋 (dàn) has a falling tone while 糕 (gāo) has a high level tone. Common collocations include 生日蛋糕 (birthday cake) and 巧克力蛋糕 (chocolate cake). In more casual settings, you might hear it used in expressions like 吃蛋糕 (eat cake).
HSK Study Tips
As part of HSK Level 3, students should focus on recognizing and using 蛋糕 in everyday conversations related to food and celebrations. It connects well with other food-related vocabulary at this level, such as 水果 (fruit) and 饭 (rice).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cakes are often associated with Western-style celebrations, especially as they become more popular in cities. The tradition of eating cake on birthdays has become a staple in many households, reflecting the blend of Western and Chinese customs.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蛋糕 with other dessert terms. For example, saying '饼' (bǐng) instead of 蛋糕 to refer to cake is incorrect, as 饼 usually refers to pancakes or flatbreads. Always remember to use 蛋糕 when talking about cakes.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蛋糕
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Grammar Patterns of 蛋糕
蛋糕 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
Divide the cake into quarters and share it equally.
Cultural Notes for 蛋糕
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cakes are often associated with Western-style celebrations, especially as they become more popular in cities. The tradition of eating cake on birthdays has become a staple in many households, reflecting the blend of Western and Chinese customs.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, cake is often a central element of many celebrations, while in China, traditional desserts may take precedence, with cake being a more recent addition to festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛋糕
The most popular cakes in China include fruit cakes, chocolate cakes, and mousse cakes, often decorated elaborately for celebrations.
Yes, 蛋糕 is a general term for cake, but specific types may have different names.
You can say 一块蛋糕 (yī kuài dàngāo) to refer to a slice of cake.
