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March 24, 2026
白酒()báijiǔ(bai2jiu3)
白酒 (bái jiǔ) refers to a strong distilled alcoholic beverage traditionally made from grains like sorghum or maize. It is widely consumed in China, often enjoyed during meals, celebrations, and social gatherings, and is characterized by its clear color and varied flavor profiles.
Frequency#18366DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
白酒 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, often used in toasts during banquets and special occasions such as weddings and the Lunar New Year. It symbolizes hospitality and respect.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'white drink' that makes you feel 'bright' (白 means white, and sounds like 'bái'). Visualize a festive gathering where people raise their glasses of clear 白酒, celebrating joyfully, reminding you of the strong spirit within.
Meanings of 白酒
báijiǔ(bai2jiu3)
1spirit usually distilled from sorghum or maize
2white spirit
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 白酒
白酒Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 白酒
Podcast: 白酒
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AI Study Notes for 白酒
Quick Contrast
米酒 (mǐjiǔ) — 米酒 is a fermented rice wine with a lower alcohol content, while 白酒 is a distilled spirit with a higher alcohol content.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'white drink' that makes you feel 'bright' (白 means white, and sounds like 'bái'). Visualize a festive gathering where people raise their glasses of clear 白酒, celebrating joyfully, reminding you of the strong spirit within.
Usage Notes
When using 白酒, it's common to pair it with food during meals. Be mindful of the tone; the second tone (bái) and the third tone (jiǔ) must be pronounced correctly to convey the right meaning. A common mistake is to confuse it with '酒' (jiǔ) alone, which refers to alcohol in general.
HSK Study Tips
Though 白酒 may not be in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to topics in levels 2 and 3 related to food and drink. Students should focus on the vocabulary surrounding dining and social customs in Chinese culture.
Cultural Note
白酒 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, often used in toasts during banquets and special occasions such as weddings and the Lunar New Year. It symbolizes hospitality and respect.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 白酒 as 'bái jiū' with incorrect tones, which can lead to confusion. Ensure you use the correct second and third tones to avoid misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 白酒
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Common Confusions with 白酒
白酒vs酒
jiǔ
白酒 is a type of alcohol, while 酒 generally refers to alcohol.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "spirit usually distilled from sorghum or maize"?
or
Cultural Notes for 白酒
🏮Cultural insight
白酒 is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, often used in toasts during banquets and special occasions such as weddings and the Lunar New Year. It symbolizes hospitality and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions about 白酒
Yes, 白酒 is typically quite strong, usually containing between 40% to 60% alcohol by volume. This high alcohol content contributes to its distinctive taste and is a reason why it is often consumed in small amounts or diluted with water during drinking occasions.
You can use 白酒 in sentences to refer to the drink itself or to describe situations where it is consumed. For example, you might say '我们在晚餐时喝了白酒' (We drank 白酒 during dinner). Additionally, you can use it to express preferences, such as '我喜欢喝白酒' (I like to drink 白酒).
There are several types of 白酒, which can vary by region and production methods. Some popular varieties include Moutai from Guizhou, Erguotou from Beijing, and Wuliangye from Sichuan. Each type has its own unique flavor profile and is often enjoyed in different ways.
白酒 (báijiǔ) refers to a type of Chinese distilled liquor made from grains, typically sorghum, rice, or wheat. It is known for its strong alcohol content and distinct flavor, and is often consumed during meals or celebrations. 白酒 is a significant part of Chinese culture and comes in various regional styles.
白酒 typically has an alcohol content ranging from 40% to 60%, making it significantly stronger than most Western spirits.
Yes, many international liquor stores and Asian markets carry various brands of 白酒, especially in regions with a significant Chinese population.
No, 白酒 is a distilled spirit, while rice wine (like 黄酒, huángjiǔ) is fermented and has a lower alcohol content.
