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March 24, 2026
巧克力qiǎokèlì(qiao3ke4li4)
巧克力 (qiǎo kè lì) refers to chocolate, a popular sweet treat made from cocoa. It is commonly used in various contexts, including food, desserts, and gifts. The term is a loanword from English, reflecting the global influence of chocolate in Chinese cuisine and culture.
Frequency#1612DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, chocolate has gained popularity as a gift, especially during festivals like Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. It symbolizes affection and sweetness, often packaged elegantly for presentation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clever chef (巧, qiǎo) baking a rich chocolate cake (克, kè) with a touch of sweetness (力, lì). Visualize the chef skillfully mixing cocoa and sugar, and remember that巧克力 sounds like 'chocolate' while evoking the image of a talented cook mastering this delightful treat.
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AI Study Notes for 巧克力
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clever chef (巧, qiǎo) baking a rich chocolate cake (克, kè) with a touch of sweetness (力, lì). Visualize the chef skillfully mixing cocoa and sugar, and remember that巧克力 sounds like 'chocolate' while evoking the image of a talented cook mastering this delightful treat.
Usage Notes
When using 巧克力, be aware that it is generally informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. A common mistake is to confuse it with the word for 'cocoa' (可可, kě kě). It is often used with the measure word 块 (kuài), for example, 一块巧克力 (yī kuài qiǎo kè lì) meaning 'a piece of chocolate'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 巧克力 connects to other food-related vocabulary and common expressions. Students should focus on its pronunciation and usage in sentences, especially in contexts related to dining or gifting.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, chocolate has gained popularity as a gift, especially during festivals like Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. It symbolizes affection and sweetness, often packaged elegantly for presentation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 巧克力 by placing the wrong tones, such as saying qiào kè lì instead of qiǎo kè lì. Additionally, some may mistakenly use it as a generic term for sweets instead of specifically referring to chocolate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 巧克力
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Grammar Patterns of 巧克力
巧克力 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 2 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.
If you do yearn for chocolate, try a carob bar instead.
7
情绪低落的时候，她们就疯狂地猛吃巧克力和糖果。
qíng xù dī luò de shí hòu， ， tā mén jiù fēng kuáng dì měng chī qiǎo kè lì hé táng。
When depressed, they dramatically overindulge in chocolate and sweets.
8
我们一口吞下了巧克力，满意地咂着嘴。
wǒ mén yī kǒu tūn xià le qiǎo kè lì， ， mǎn yì dì zā zháo。
We swallowed the chocolates in one gulp, licking our lips.
9
来点巧克力蛋糕怎么样？
lái diǎn qiǎo kè lì dàn gāo zěn mó yàng？
Would you like some chocolate cake?
10
我离不开糖、甜品和巧克力。
wǒ lí bù kāi táng、 、 tián pǐn hé qiǎo kè。
I need my fix of sugar, sweets, and chocolate.
Cultural Notes for 巧克力
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, chocolate has gained popularity as a gift, especially during festivals like Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. It symbolizes affection and sweetness, often packaged elegantly for presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 巧克力
You can say '黑巧克力' (hēi qiǎo kè lì) for dark chocolate.
No, 巧克力 is mainly used in informal settings, such as conversations about food or gifts.
The measure word for chocolate is 块 (kuài), so you would say 一块巧克力 (yī kuài qiǎo kè lì) for 'a piece of chocolate'.
