HSK Level 5

白酒

bái jiǔ

chinese baijiu; liquor and spirits

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Example Sentences

我喜欢喝白酒。

wǒ xǐhuān hē báijiǔ.

I like drinking Chinese white liquor.

白酒是中国传统酒类之一。

báijiǔ shì zhōngguó chuántǒng jiǔlèi zhī yī.

Chinese white liquor is one of China's traditional alcoholic beverages.

白酒的度数很高,要适量饮用。

báijiǔ de dùshù hěn gāo, yào shìliàng yǐnyòng.

Chinese white liquor has a high alcohol content, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Synonyms

烧酒 (shāojiǔ)

Chinese distilled spirits

高粱酒 (gāoliángjiǔ)

Sorghum liquor

Antonyms

红酒 (hóngjiǔ)

red wine

啤酒 (píjiǔ)

beer

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 白酒 (báijiǔ) is a compound word consisting of two characters: 白 (bái) meaning "white" and 酒 (jiǔ) meaning "alcohol" or "liquor". The term "white alcohol" refers to the colorless or transparent appearance of most Chinese distilled spirits.The earliest recorded use of the term 白酒 dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when it was used to describe a type of distilled spirit made from rice. Over time, the term came to be applied to a wider range of distilled spirits, including those made from other grains such as sorghum, wheat, and barley.Today, 白酒 is the most popular type of alcoholic beverage in China, and it is estimated that over 10 billion liters of 白酒 are consumed each year. There are many different brands and styles of 白酒, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. Some of the most famous brands of 白酒 include Moutai, Wuliangye, and Fenjiu.白酒 is typically drunk neat, but it can also be mixed with water or other beverages. It is often served at banquets and other special occasions, and it is considered to be a symbol of hospitality and good fortune.