July 15, 2026 · 星期三
The Fiery Chili
辣椒· pepper; hot, spicy; cruel
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyChili peppers, though introduced only in the 16th century, have deeply influenced Chinese culinary traditions.
The Fiery Chili
辣椒là jiāo
Chili peppers, known as 辣椒 (làjiāo) in Chinese, boast a vibrant history in China. Although not a native plant, the chili pepper was introduced to China around the 16th century. It quickly integrated into Chinese cuisine, particularly in regions like Sichuan and Hunan, where it now plays a crucial role in defining the local culinary identity[1]. The bold heat and distinct flavor of chili peppers have not only become a staple in these regions but have also spread to influence dishes across the entire country.
Sichuan cuisine, famous for its numbing spiciness, relies heavily on the combination of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns to create its signature 'mala' flavor—a mix of numbing and spicy sensations. Dishes such as Sichuan Hot Pot and Kung Pao Chicken are prime examples where chilies shine, making them beloved across China and beyond[2]. Meanwhile, in Hunan cuisine, known for its dry and aromatic spice, chili peppers are often used in abundance, emphasizing fresh and vibrant flavors. Both regions celebrate the heat of chilies, showcasing them in a variety of cooking techniques from stir-frying to pickling.
The use of chili peppers in Chinese cooking is not just about heat; it also adds depth and complexity to flavor profiles. The chili's ability to bring warmth and harmony to a dish is highly valued, especially in colder months. Moreover, the visual appeal of red chilies symbolizes good luck and happiness, making them a popular choice in festive dishes. As we reflect on the word 辣 (là), which means 'spicy' or 'hot,' it's clear how integral the chili has become in Chinese culinary traditions, influencing tastes and culinary practices that continue to evolve today.
Chili peppers, though introduced only in the 16th century, have deeply influenced Chinese culinary traditions.
今天吃辣椒。
Jīntiān chī làjiāo.
Eat chili peppers today.
- [1] K. C. Chang, 'Food in Chinese Culture: Anthropological and Historical Perspectives'
- [2] Fuchsia Dunlop, 'Sichuan Cookery'
Jason & Amy on 辣
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 辣 — The Fiery Chili
Jason & Amy on 辣 and The Fiery Chili
New here?
这个汤很辣。
Zhège tāng hěn là.
This soup is spicy.
Describes food as spicy.
他不喜欢太辣的食物。
Tā bù xǐhuan tài là de shíwù.
He doesn't like very spicy food.
Expresses a preference regarding spiciness.
辣味让这道菜更美味。
Là wèi ràng zhè dào cài gèng měiwèi.
The spiciness makes this dish more delicious.
Highlights how spiciness enhances flavor.
他的话带有辣味。
Tā de huà dài yǒu là wèi.
His words carry a sharp edge.
Uses 'spicy' metaphorically to describe speech.
The use of 很 to intensify adjectives
很 + adjective
This pattern is used to emphasize the adjective, showing a greater degree of the quality.
Use 很 before adjectives to stress their intensity or presence.
这个菜很辣。
Zhège cài hěn là.
This dish is very spicy.
天气很冷。
Tiānqì hěn lěng.
The weather is very cold.
她很高兴。
Tā hěn gāoxìng.
She is very happy.
What does 辣 mean?
How is 辣 pronounced?
How do you write "spicy" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
这个菜太___了。(This dish is too ___.).
这个菜太辣了！ — What does this sentence mean?
Which cuisines are known for their use of 辣椒 (chili pepper)?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 辣
You can say '这个菜很辣' (Zhège cài hěn là) meaning 'This dish is very spicy.'
While it primarily describes the spiciness of food, 辣 can also describe harshness or cruelty in certain contexts.
Yes, you can also use 辣味 (làwèi) specifically to refer to the spicy flavor.
Today's Mandarin word: 辣 (là) — pepper; hot, spicy; cruel.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉