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Expressing 'rice cake' with 年糕 (niángāo)
Explanation
年糕 (niángāo) refers to a traditional Chinese rice cake made from glutinous rice. It is especially popular during Chinese New Year because its name sounds like 'year higher,' symbolizing progress and prosperity. Rice cakes are enjoyed across China, with southern regions being particularly fond of them.
Examples
过年的时候，奶奶总会做年糕给我们吃。
guònián de shíhou, nǎinai zǒng huì zuò niángāo gěi wǒmen chī.
During Chinese New Year, Grandma always makes rice cakes for us to eat.
这家店的年糕又软又甜，特别好吃。
zhè jiā diàn de niángāo yòu ruǎn yòu tián, tèbié hǎochī.
The rice cakes at this shop are soft and sweet, and especially delicious.
南方人喜欢用年糕炒菜，味道很不错。
nánfāng rén xǐhuān yòng niángāo chǎocài, wèidào hěn bùcuò.
Southerners like to stir-fry rice cakes with vegetables, and it tastes quite good.