Definitions

yáo variant of 肴[yáo]
yáo meat dishes; mixed viands
yáo variant of 肴[yáo]

Etymology phono-semantic

meat

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "肴" has a history centered around prepared food, with its structure offering a clear etymological clue. Its traditional form is composed of the element "月", which here represents "meat", placed above "爻", which primarily serves a phonetic function but may also suggest the crossed sticks used in cooking. Originally, the character specifically denoted meat-based dishes, a sense preserved in classical texts and compound words. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass finely prepared food or delicacies in general, shifting from a specific ingredient to the concept of a savory dish meant for enjoyment, often within the context of a meal or feast. This semantic expansion allowed it to become a standard component in terms related to cuisine and dining.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这些菜很美味。

Zhèxiē càiyáo hěn měiwèi.

These dishes are very delicious.

我喜欢吃中国菜

Wǒ xǐhuān chī Zhōngguó càiyáo.

I like eating Chinese dishes.

他点了酒来招待客人。

Tā diǎnle jiǔyáo lái zhāodài kèrén.

He ordered food and drink to entertain guests.

宴席上的佳让人难忘。

Yànxí shàng de jiāyáo ràng rén nánwàng.

The delicacies at the banquet are unforgettable.

这家餐厅的馔非常精致。

Zhè jiā cāntīng de yáozhuàn fēicháng jīngzhì.

The dishes at this restaurant are very exquisite.

节日里,我们准备了许多美味馔。

Jiérì lǐ, wǒmen zhǔnbèile xǔduō měiwèi yáozhuàn.

During the festival, we prepared many delicious dishes.

尽管食材简单,她也能烹制出可口佳

Jǐnguǎn shícái jiǎndān, tā yě néng pēngzhì chū kěkǒu jiāyáo.

Even though the ingredients are simple, she can cook delicious delicacies.

在漫长的历史中,中国菜发展出了多种菜系。

Zài màncháng de lìshǐ zhōng, Zhōngguó càiyáo fāzhǎn chūle duō zhǒng càixì.

In the long history, Chinese cuisine has developed multiple culinary styles.