薯条

• Pinyin: shǔ tiáo
• Hanzi breakdown: 薯 = potato, tuber; 条 = strip, stick — french fries

Meaning

French fries. Stick-shaped pieces of potato that are deep-fried.

A staple of fast food restaurants, especially 麦当劳 (McDonald's) and 肯德基 (KFC). Usually served with 番茄酱 (ketchup). Come in different sizes: 小份 (small), 中份 (medium), 大份 (large). Distinguished from 薯片 (chips/crisps) which are thin and flat.

Examples

1. 麦当劳的薯条又脆又好吃，蘸番茄酱更棒。 McDonald's fries are crispy and delicious, even better with ketchup.
2. 薯条要趁热吃，凉了就不脆了。 Fries should be eaten while hot; they lose their crispiness when cold.
3. 孩子们最爱吃汉堡配薯条这种搭配。 Kids love the combination of burgers and fries.

Usage Guide

Context: food, fast food, casual

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 来份大薯条和一杯可乐。(I'll have a large fries and a cola.)
• 薯条配冰淇淋意外地好吃。(Fries with ice cream are surprisingly good.)

Don't Say

• 炸土豆丝不叫'薯条' (Stir-fried shredded potatoes aren't called 薯条 — use 土豆丝; 薯条 means deep-fried french fries)

Origin & History

Compound of 薯 (potato, tuber) + 条 (strip, stick). Literally 'potato sticks/strips.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal