白酒

• Pinyin: bái jiǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 白 (white/clear) + 酒 = 氵(water) + 酉 (fermentation vessel)

Meaning

Baijiu; Chinese white liquor. A clear, strong distilled spirit traditionally made from grain, typically with high alcohol content.

The most consumed spirit in the world by volume, central to Chinese banquet culture and business entertaining. Famous brands include 茅台, 五粮液, and 汾酒. The name literally means 'white alcohol' referring to its clear appearance.

Examples

1. 这瓶茅台白酒是我父亲珍藏多年的好酒。 This bottle of Maotai baijiu is a fine liquor that my father has treasured for many years.
2. 在正式的商务宴会上，主人通常会用白酒招待客人。 At formal business banquets, the host usually entertains guests with baijiu.
3. 他不太能喝白酒，所以点了一杯红酒。 He can't handle baijiu very well, so he ordered a glass of red wine instead.

Usage Guide

Context: dining, business, celebration

Tone: social

Do Say

• 来，我们干一杯白酒！(Come, let's drink a toast of baijiu!)
• 这种白酒度数很高，要慢慢喝。(This baijiu has high alcohol content — drink it slowly.)

Don't Say

• 在西方酒吧里点'白酒'——他们可能理解为白葡萄酒 (In Western bars, don't just say '白酒' — they might think you mean white wine; specify 'Chinese baijiu')

Origin & History

Compound of 白 (white/clear) + 酒 (alcohol), named for the spirit's transparent appearance after distillation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal