The word 杏仁豆腐 is formed by combining 杏仁, meaning "almond", which itself consists of 杏 (apricot) and 仁 (kernel), with 豆腐, meaning "tofu", composed of 豆 (bean) and 腐 (curd); the compound denotes a gelatin dessert that resembles tofu in texture but is flavored with almonds.