饺子
jiǎo zǐ
Dumpling · trad. 餃子
饺子 (jiǎozi) refers to the classic Chinese dumpling, typically filled with minced meat and vegetables, and often boiled, steamed, or pan-fried. It's a staple food, especially popular in Northern China and a must-have during Chinese New Year.
When to use it
Neutral. When ordering, you might specify the cooking method: 水饺 (boiled dumplings) or 煎饺 (pan-fried dumplings/potstickers). Don't confuse 饺子 with 包子 (steamed buns) or 馄饨 (wontons), which are different types of filled dough.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “JYAO-dzuh.” The first syllable has a falling-rising tone (third tone), and the second syllable is said lightly and quickly (neutral tone).
Other ways to say it
- 水饺shuǐ jiǎoboiled dumplings
- 煎饺jiān jiǎopan-fried dumplings / potstickers
- 蒸饺zhēng jiǎosteamed dumplings
Examples
我喜欢吃饺子。
wǒ xǐ huan chī jiǎo zǐ 。
I like to eat dumplings.
我们今晚吃饺子吧！
wǒ men jīn wǎn chī jiǎo zǐ ba ！
Let's eat dumplings tonight!
这个饺子很好吃。
zhè ge jiǎo zǐ hěn hǎo chī 。
These dumplings are very delicious.
Pro tip: Chinese “dumplings” (饺子) are distinct from “steamed buns” (包子) and “wontons” (馄饨). 饺子 have thinner wrappers and are often crescent-shaped, while 包子 have thicker, bread-like dough, and 馄饨 are usually smaller and served in soup.
Related phrases
龙 · Dragon金龙 · Gold dragon中国龙 · Ancient china dragon
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