Definitions

(adjective) spicy; hot (taste)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and a remnant of represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "辣" is a phono-semantic compound formed by the radical "辛", which conveys the general idea of pungency or acridity, and the component "剌", serving primarily as a phonetic indicator for its pronunciation. Its etymological origins lie in describing sharp or biting sensations, initially covering a broad spectrum of intense flavors before becoming specifically associated with the burning spiciness of ingredients such as chili peppers. Over centuries, the term expanded beyond taste to metaphorically describe qualities like fierceness or severity in human behavior, illustrating a semantic shift influenced by cultural and linguistic usage. The structure of the character has remained consistent, with "辛" and "剌" together encapsulating both its sound and core meaning, thereby preserving its link to concepts of intensity and pungency.

Example Sentences Hide

这道菜很

Zhè dào cài hěn là.

This dish is very spicy.

这个椒非常

Zhè gè làjiāo fēicháng là.

This chili pepper is extremely spicy.

我喜欢吃的食物。

Wǒ xǐhuān chī là de shíwù.

I like to eat spicy food.

他做菜时总是加椒。

Tā zuò cài shí zǒngshì jiā làjiāo.

He always adds chili peppers when cooking.

这种味让我受不了。

Zhè zhǒng làwèi ràng wǒ shòu bu liǎo.

This spiciness makes me unable to bear it.

我被得直喝冰水。

Wǒ bèi là de zhí hē bīngshuǐ.

I was so spicy that I kept drinking ice water.

的食物对身体有益。

Chī là de shíwù duì shēntǐ yǒuyì.

Eating spicy food is beneficial to the body.

虽然味很刺激,但是很多人都喜欢。

Suīrán làwèi hěn cìjī, dànshì hěnduō rén dōu xǐhuān.

Although the spiciness is very stimulating, many people like it.