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Expressing 'scalding hot' with 烫 (tàng)
Structure
Subject + 好 + 烫
Explanation
The adjective 烫 (tàng) means "scalding hot" or "burning hot" and specifically describes something that is hot to the touch, such as hot water or heated surfaces. It is different from 热 (rè), which describes general warmth or hot weather. 烫 implies a temperature high enough to cause a burn.
Examples
小心，这碗汤很烫，别着急喝。
Xiǎoxīn, zhè wǎn tāng hěn tàng, bié zhāojí hē.
Be careful — this bowl of soup is very hot; don't drink it too quickly.
刚烧好的水太烫了，等一会儿再倒。
Gāng shāohǎo de shuǐ tài tàng le, děng yīhuìr zài dào.
The water that was just boiled is too hot — wait a moment before pouring it.
我被烫了一下，手指头都红了。
Wǒ bèi tàngle yīxià, shǒuzhǐtou dōu hóng le.
I got scalded — my finger turned red.
小心，这碗汤很烫，别着急喝。
Xiǎoxīn, zhè wǎn tāng hěn tàng, bié zhāojí hē.
Be careful, this bowl of soup is very hot — don't rush to drink it.
刚烧好的水太烫了，等一会儿再倒。
Gāng shāo hǎo de shuǐ tài tàng le, děng yīhuìr zài dào.
The water that was just boiled is too hot; wait a moment before pouring it.
我被烫了一下，手指头都红了。
Wǒ bèi tàng le yīxià, shǒuzhǐtou dōu hóng le.
I got scalded, and my finger turned red.