辣 (là) - Spicy, pungent, hot (as in chili peppers) & acrid

辣Tone 4

là ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

辣 · là

Spicy, pungent, hot (as in chili peppers);

acrid;

cruel, ruthless;

intense, extreme.

Spicy, pungent, hot (as in chili peppers)acridcruel, ruthless

Usage highlights

Spicy foodChili pepperHot potSpicy and sourHot and numbingBiting cold

Synonyms

  • 辛— pungent, acrid
  • 麻— numbing (often paired with 辣 for the 'mala' sensation)

Antonyms

  • 甜— sweet
  • 淡— bland, mild

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This Sichuan dish is very spicy (辣).
  • She has a sharp tongue (说话很辣).
  • The chili sauce is extremely hot (辣椒酱很辣).
  • He endured a bitter experience (辛辣的经历).

Collocations

  • Spicy food(辣的食物)
  • Chili pepper(辣椒)
  • Hot pot(麻辣火锅)
  • Spicy and sour(酸辣)
  • Hot and numbing(麻辣)
  • Biting cold(辛辣的寒冷)

Idioms

  • Hot-tempered and ruthless(心狠手辣)
  • Sour, sweet, bitter, spicy — the joys and sorrows of life(酸甜苦辣)
  • Spicy girl(辣妹子)
  • Spicy and hot(火辣辣)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese cuisine, 'spiciness' (辣) is one of the fundamental flavors, particularly prominent in Sichuan and Hunan cuisines.
  • The term 'spicy girl' (辣妹子) describes a woman with a bold, fiery, and straightforward personality.
  • In traditional medicine, spicy foods are considered to have warming properties and can promote circulation.

FAQ