年糕
nián gāo
Tikoy
年糕 (niángāo) is a sweet, sticky rice cake traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year. Its name is a homophone for “higher year” or “growth year,” symbolizing prosperity and progress in the coming year. While commonly known as "tikoy" in the Philippines, 年糕 is the standard Mandarin term.
When to use it
Neutral. It's a common food item, often given as a gift during the Chinese New Year. There are many regional variations in ingredients and preparation.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “nee-ANG-gow.” The first syllable 年 (nián) is a rising tone, and the second syllable 糕 (gāo) is a high-level tone.
Other ways to say it
- 甜年糕tián nián gāosweet New Year cake (to distinguish from savory types)
- 红糖年糕hóng táng nián gāobrown sugar New Year cake (a common sweet variety)
- 年糕汤nián gāo tāngnian gao soup (a way to eat it)
Examples
过年的时候，我们家会吃年糕。
guò nián de shí hòu ， wǒ men jiā huì chī nián gāo 。
During Chinese New Year, our family eats tikoy (nian gao).
我喜欢吃甜年糕。
wǒ xǐ huan chī tián nián gāo 。
I like to eat sweet tikoy (nian gao).
这个年糕很好吃！
zhè ge nián gāo hěn hǎo chī ！
This tikoy (nian gao) is delicious!
Pro tip: The word 年糕 (niángāo) sounds like 年高 (nián gāo), meaning 'year high' or 'higher year.' Eating it during Chinese New Year is believed to bring good fortune and symbolize 'rising higher year by year' in all aspects of life.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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