酥 (sū) - Crisp, flaky, short (of pastry) & soft, limp (from fatigue)

酥Tone 1

sū ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

酥 · sū

Crisp, flaky, short (of pastry);

soft, limp (from fatigue);

crumbling;

also refers to certain foods like shortbread or pastry.

Crisp, flaky, short (of pastry)soft, limp (from fatigue)crumbling

Usage highlights

Crisp pastryWalnut shortbreadCrispy and tenderCrispy skinPeanut crispSoft and limp

Synonyms

  • 脆— crisp, brittle
  • 松— loose, soft (texture)

Antonyms

  • 硬— hard, firm
  • 韧— tough, chewy

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This pastry is very crisp (酥脆).
  • My legs feel weak from walking (腿走酥了).
  • We bought some walnut shortbread (核桃酥).
  • The fried chicken has a crispy skin (外皮酥脆).

Collocations

  • Crisp pastry(酥饼)
  • Walnut shortbread(核桃酥)
  • Crispy and tender(酥嫩)
  • Crispy skin(酥皮)
  • Peanut crisp(花生酥)
  • Soft and limp(酥软)

Idioms

  • Crisp on the outside, tender inside(外酥里嫩)
  • Soft and numb feeling(酥麻之感)
  • Bone-melting pleasure(骨软筋酥)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 酥 originally described the crumbly texture of foods made with oil or fat, especially in Chinese pastries and desserts.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine and sensory descriptions, 酥 can describe a tingling or numb sensation in the body.
  • 酥 foods are often associated with festive treats and special occasions in Chinese culinary culture.

FAQ