Meanings of 汤
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 汤
Podcast: 汤
Podcast: 汤
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 汤
汤 (tāng) vs 汤圆 (tāngyuán) — use 汤 for soup or broth, while 汤圆 specifically refers to glutinous rice balls often served in soup.
Imagine a steaming bowl of soup, where the hot water (汤) swirls like a rushing current (the character has a flowing, fluid appearance). The left side resembles a pot where ingredients boil, while the right side signifies water, connecting the character visually and phonetically to its meaning.
Learners often confuse 汤 with other similar words for liquids, such as 水 (water). Remember that 汤 specifically denotes soups or boiled infusions. It's typically used in both formal and informal settings, so you can confidently order soup at a restaurant or discuss recipes in a casual conversation.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 汤 connects well with other food-related vocabulary such as 菜 (cài, dish) and 饭 (fàn, rice/meal). Focus on using it in context, especially when discussing meals or recipes, to reinforce its meaning and usage.
In Chinese culture, soup plays a significant role in family meals and traditional health practices. For example, herbal soups are often used during the winter months to nourish the body and improve health, reflecting the deep connection between food and wellness in Chinese society.
A common mistake is confusing 汤 (soup) with other similar terms like 汁 (juice). For example, saying '我想要果汁汤' (I want fruit juice soup) is incorrect; it should be '果汁' (juice) without the 汤.
Pronunciation of 汤
Drill the tone of 汤 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 汤
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 昜 represents the sound. Simplified form of 湯.
water
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 汤?
Decomposition of 汤
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 汤?
Write 汤
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 汤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 汤
汤 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 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.
Complete the Sentence
服务员，这个____很咸。
Waiter, this soup is very salty.
Common Confusions with 汤
Similar shape, but with a different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "rushing current"?
Example Sentences for 汤 (10)
Cultural Notes for 汤
In Chinese cuisine, soup is often consumed as part of a meal rather than as a starter. It's common to have soup with rice and other dishes, making it a staple in many households.
In Chinese culture, soup plays a significant role in family meals and traditional health practices. For example, herbal soups are often used during the winter months to nourish the body and improve health, reflecting the deep connection between food and wellness in Chinese society.
There is a saying in Chinese, '好汤出自好材料' (hǎo tāng chū zì hǎo cáiliào), which means 'Good soup comes from good ingredients.' This reflects the importance of quality in cooking.
In many Western cultures, soup is often served as an appetizer, while in Chinese culture, it's typically enjoyed throughout the meal, highlighting the communal aspect of dining.
Word Family of 汤
Compound Meaning
What does 荡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 汤
Yes, 汤 (tāng) is a common Chinese surname. It is one of the many surnames that have historical significance and can be found among various ethnic groups in China. Like many Chinese surnames, it carries cultural and familial importance.