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shaoxing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ʃaʊˈʃɪŋ/US/ʃaʊˈʃɪŋ/

Formal (in culinary/wine contexts); otherwise technical/geographic.

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Quick answer

What does “shaoxing” mean?

A type of Chinese rice wine, traditionally brewed in the city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang province.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A type of Chinese rice wine, traditionally brewed in the city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang province.

It refers specifically to the amber-colored, fermented rice wine from the Shaoxing region, known for its nutty, umami flavor and used extensively in Chinese cooking and for drinking. The term can also refer to the city itself, but in English culinary and beverage contexts, it is almost exclusively used for the wine.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is identical in both varieties, centered on culinary contexts. British English may show a slightly higher tendency to use the French-influenced term 'rice wine' as a general category label.

Connotations

Conveys authenticity and specific culinary tradition. No negative connotations.

Frequency

Equally low-frequency in both varieties, appearing in cookbooks, gourmet food writing, and restaurant menus.

Grammar

How to Use “shaoxing” in a Sentence

[add/pour/use] + Shaoxing + [to/into] + noun phrasenoun phrase + [made with/cooked with] + Shaoxing

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Shaoxing wineShaoxing rice wineShaoxing cooking wine
medium
a bottle of Shaoxingauthentic Shaoxingaged Shaoxing
weak
Shaoxing vinegarShaoxing regionShaoxing dish

Examples

Examples of “shaoxing” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The Shaoxing marinade is essential for the dish.

American English

  • For authentic flavor, use a Shaoxing wine reduction.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

In the context of import/export of gourmet foodstuffs or beverages.

Academic

In studies of Chinese gastronomy, food history, or fermentation technology.

Everyday

Very rare in casual conversation, except among cooking enthusiasts following a Chinese recipe.

Technical

Standard term in professional culinary arts and mixology for specifying the type of rice wine.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “shaoxing”

Neutral

Chinese rice winecooking rice wine

Weak

yellow winehua diao jiu (a specific, related type)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “shaoxing”

dry sherry (as a common, non-identical substitute in Western cooking)mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “shaoxing”

  • Pronouncing it as /ˈʃeɪɒksɪŋ/.
  • Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'two Shaoxings').
  • Confusing it with soy sauce or vinegar in recipes.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry sherry is the most common substitute. Some suggest a mixture of sherry and a little rice vinegar. Avoid sweet wines like mirin unless the recipe specifically allows for it.

Yes, it is a fermented alcoholic beverage, typically around 14-20% alcohol by volume. The alcohol mostly cooks off when used in hot dishes.

Yes, especially the higher-quality, aged varieties which are served warm in small cups as a beverage. The 'cooking' version is usually of lower quality and salted, making it unsuitable for drinking.

The most common English pronunciation is /ʃaʊˈʃɪŋ/ ('shou' as in 'shout' + 'shing' as in 'sing'). It is an approximation of the Mandarin pronunciation.

A type of Chinese rice wine, traditionally brewed in the city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang province.

Shaoxing is usually formal (in culinary/wine contexts); otherwise technical/geographic. in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'Show-SHING' a light on the wok – you add Shaoxing wine to shine up a stir-fry.

Conceptual Metaphor

Shaoxing is THE SECRET INGREDIENT (it represents the authentic, foundational flavor component that elevates a dish).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For an authentic drunken chicken, you must use wine in the poaching liquid.
Multiple Choice

What is Shaoxing primarily known as in English?