年糕
niángāo
New year cake (nian gao)
年糕 (niángāo) is a sticky rice cake traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year. Its name sounds like '年高' (nián gāo), which means 'higher every year,' symbolizing a wish for increasing prosperity and success.
What does 年糕 (niángāo) mean?
年糕 (niángāo) means “New Year cake (nian gao)” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “year cake.”
When to use it
Neutral. 年糕 is a cultural food item, so its usage is tied to discussions about food, traditions, and the New Year. Different preparations exist, such as sweet or savory versions.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "nyen-gao." 年 rises (second tone), and 糕 is high and level (first tone).
Other ways to say it
- 甜年糕tián niángāosweet nian gao
- 咸年糕xián niángāosavory nian gao
- 炒年糕chǎo niángāostir-fried nian gao
Examples
过年的时候，我们家都会吃年糕。
guònián de shíhou, wǒmen jiā dōu huì chī niángāo.
During Chinese New Year, our family always eats nian gao.
我喜欢吃甜年糕，你呢？
wǒ xǐhuan chī tián niángāo, nǐ ne?
I like to eat sweet nian gao, how about you?
这道炒年糕很好吃。
zhè dào chǎo niángāo hěn hǎochī.
This stir-fried nian gao dish is delicious.
Pro tip: The name 年糕 (niángāo) is a homophone for 年高 (nián gāo), meaning 'higher year by year,' making it a popular dish for wishing prosperity and advancement in the coming year.
Related phrases
汤圆 · Sweet rice balls (tang yuan)年夜饭 · Reunion dinner枣 · Dates
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