熬

• Pinyin: áo
• Hanzi breakdown: 熬 = 敖 (phonetic) + 灬 (fire)

Meaning

To endure; to hold out; to cook over slow fire.

Has two main uses: 1) To endure or get through a difficult period; 2) To simmer or cook slowly. Often used for staying up late (熬夜) or getting through tough times.

Examples

1. 再熬几天就放假了，坚持一下。 Just hang in there a few more days and we'll be on vacation.
2. 她熬了一锅粥，香气扑鼻。 She simmered a pot of porridge — the aroma was wonderful.
3. 这份工作太累了，我真的快熬不下去了。 This job is too exhausting. I really can't hold on much longer.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, cooking

Tone: colloquial

Do Say

• 熬过这段时间就好了。(Things will be better after we get through this period.)
• 熬粥要用小火慢慢熬。(Cook porridge slowly over low heat.)

Don't Say

• 说'熬这本书'来表示阅读 (Don't use 熬 for reading — it means enduring or cooking, not studying)

Origin & History

Composed of 敖 (phonetic) over 灬 (fire), originally referring to cooking over fire, later extended to enduring.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal