醇厚

• Pinyin: chún hòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 醇 = 酉 (liquor) + 享 (phonetic, pure alcohol); 厚 = thick, substantial

Meaning

Mellow; rich; pure and honest. Describes rich, smooth flavors in food and drink, or sincere, genuine character in people.

When describing beverages (especially wine, tea, or coffee), it means well-aged with deep, smooth flavor. When describing people or atmosphere, it conveys warmth, sincerity, and depth of character.

Examples

1. 这款红酒口感醇厚，带有淡淡的橡木香气。 This red wine has a rich, mellow taste with a hint of oak aroma.
2. 他为人醇厚，跟他相处让人感到很踏实。 He has a sincere, honest character; being with him makes you feel at ease.
3. 普洱茶存放多年后，味道变得更加醇厚绵长。 After being stored for many years, Pu'er tea develops an even richer, longer-lasting flavor.

Usage Guide

Context: food/drink, character, appreciation

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这杯咖啡醇厚香浓，是我喝过最好的。(This coffee is rich and aromatic — the best I've ever had.)
• 老一辈人性格醇厚，待人真诚。(The older generation has a sincere, honest character and treats people genuinely.)

Don't Say

• 这本书很醇厚 (Books aren't described as 醇厚 — use it for flavors or character, not written content)

Origin & History

Compound of 醇 (pure liquor, mellow) + 厚 (thick, generous). The 酉 radical in 醇 relates to fermentation and alcohol.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal