Checking ingredients and safe substitutions | Learn Chinese in English

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Use Checking ingredients and safe substitutions to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

开始做饭前，我们先检查一下食材和替代品。

kāishǐ zuòfàn qián, wǒmen xiān jiǎnchá yíxià shícái hé tìdàipǐn. Before we start cooking, let's check the ingredients and any substitutions.

食谱需要核桃，而且有一位客人对坚果过敏。

shípǔ xūyào hétáo, érqiě yǒu yí wèi kèrén duì jiānguǒ guòmǐn. The recipe calls for walnuts, and one guest has a nut allergy.

那我们就完全不放核桃。

nà wǒmen jiù wánquán bú fàng hétáo. Then we should leave the walnuts out completely.

烤过的种子仍然可以让这道菜有些酥脆的口感。

kǎo guò de zhǒngzi réngrán kěyǐ ràng zhè dào cài yǒuxiē sūcuì de kǒugǎn. Toasted seeds would still give the dish some crunch.

我们改用种子，并在做饭时把过敏提示放在显眼的地方。

wǒmen gǎiyòng zhǒngzi, bìng zài zuòfàn shí bǎ guòmǐn tíshì fàng zài xiǎnyǎn de dìfang. Let's use seeds instead, and keep the allergy note visible while we cook.

因为这是烘焙菜肴，所以我们还是应该严格按照用量来做。

yīnwèi zhè shì hōngbèi càiyáo, suǒyǐ wǒmen háishi yīnggāi yángé ànzhào yòngliàng lái zuò. Since this is a baked dish, we should still follow the measurements closely.

我们的牛奶够吗，还是我应该再买一些？

wǒmen de niúnǎi gòu ma, háishì wǒ yīnggāi zài mǎi yìxiē? Do we have enough milk, or should I buy more?

牛奶够了，但使用前要检查一下日期。

niúnǎi gòu le, dàn shǐyòng qián yào jiǎnchá yíxià rìqī. We have enough, but check the date before using it.

现在这些食材看起来很安全，也都准备好了。

xiànzài zhèxiē shícái kàn qǐlái hěn ānquán, yě dōu zhǔnbèi hǎo le. The ingredients look safe and ready now.

这次检查应该能帮助我们避免过敏风险，也让这道菜保持正确的味道。

zhè cì jiǎnchá yīnggāi néng bāngzhù wǒmen bìmiǎn guòmǐn fēngxiǎn, yě ràng zhè dào cài bǎochí zhèngquè de wèidào. This check should help us avoid allergy risks and keep the dish tasting right.

Word by Word

开始 “开始” means start here, referring to starting the cooking. It appears in “开始做饭” before the activity. A reusable pattern is “开始 + activity” for starting an activity.

做饭 “做饭” means cook or prepare food here. It names the activity that begins in “开始做饭”. Use it after “开始” or with a time expression such as “做饭前”.

前 “前” means before in “开始做饭前”, placing one event before another. It follows an activity or event to form a time phrase. A reusable pattern is “activity + 前” for “before doing something”.

我们 “我们” means we or us, referring to the speaker and the other person cooking together. It is the subject of “我们先检查一下”. Use it before the action that the group will do.

先 “先” means first here, showing that checking happens before the other cooking steps. It commonly comes before the verb, as in “先检查一下”. Use “先 + action” to state the first step.

检查 “检查” means check or inspect the ingredients and substitutions. In this dialogue, it introduces a careful review before cooking. It can be followed by the thing being checked, as in “检查食材”.

一下 “一下” makes “检查一下” sound like a brief or softened request to check something. It follows the verb “检查” here. A reusable pattern is “verb + 一下” for a short or polite action.

食材 “食材” means ingredients used for cooking. Here it is one of the things being checked. It commonly follows verbs such as “检查” or “准备”.

和 “和” means and, joining “食材” with “替代品” in the list of things to check. It connects nouns or noun phrases. A reusable pattern is “A 和 B” for “A and B”.

替代品 “替代品” means a substitute or replacement, here referring to ingredients that can replace another ingredient. It is checked together with the ingredients. It can follow a noun such as “选择” or “检查” when discussing replacement options.

食谱 “食谱” means recipe, the set of cooking instructions being used. Here it is the subject of “食谱需要核桃”. It commonly comes before the ingredient or action that the recipe requires.

需要 “需要” means need or require here: the recipe requires walnuts. It is followed by the required item “核桃”. A reusable pattern is “需要 + thing” for stating what is needed.

核桃 “核桃” means walnuts, the ingredient named by the recipe and later left out. It is the object of “需要” and “放”. It can be used after a cooking verb to identify an ingredient.

而且 “而且” means and moreover, adding the guest’s allergy as an important additional fact. It joins the recipe information with the allergy information. Use it to add another related point after a previous statement.

有 “有” means there is or has in “有一位客人”, introducing the existence of one guest. It is followed by a quantity, classifier, and person. A reusable pattern is “有 + quantity + classifier + noun” for saying that someone or something exists.

一 “一” means one in “一位客人”. It gives the number of guests being mentioned. It is placed before the classifier “位” when counting a person.

位 “位” is the respectful classifier used for the person in “一位客人”. It comes between the number “一” and the noun “客人”. Use “number + 位 + person” when counting people respectfully.

客人 “客人” means guest, the person whose allergy affects the ingredient choice. It follows “一位” in the noun phrase “一位客人”. It can be used with “有” to introduce a guest who is present.

对 “对” marks what the allergy is directed toward in “对坚果过敏”. Here it introduces “坚果”, the item that causes the allergic reaction. A reusable pattern is “对 + thing + 过敏”.

坚果 “坚果” means nuts as a food category. It is the item following “对” in the allergy expression. It can be used after “对” when identifying an allergen.

过敏 “过敏” means be allergic in “对坚果过敏”. Together with “对坚果”, it states the guest’s allergy. Use the pattern “对 + item + 过敏” when explaining an allergy.

那 “那” means then or in that case, referring to the allergy information just given. It introduces the decision that follows in “那我们就完全不放核桃”. Use it at the start of a response to draw a conclusion from the previous statement.

就 “就” marks the resulting action in “那我们就完全不放核桃”, meaning that in that case the speakers will simply leave out the walnuts. It follows “那” and comes before the action. A reusable pattern is “那就 + action” for a decision based on what was just said.

完全 “完全” means completely, emphasizing that no walnuts will be added at all. It modifies the action “不放”. It can be placed before a negative action to strengthen the meaning of “not at all”.

不 “不” makes “放” negative in “不放核桃”, meaning not to add the walnuts. It comes directly before the action being rejected. A reusable pattern is “不 + verb” for a present or intended negative action.

放 “放” means put or add here, specifically add walnuts to the dish. In “不放核桃”, it is the action that will not happen. It can be followed by the ingredient being added.

烤 “烤” refers to toasting or baking in “烤过的种子”. It describes how the seeds were prepared before being used. It can appear before “过” to describe a completed preparation.

过 “过” in “烤过的种子” shows that the seeds have undergone the toasting process. It follows “烤” and comes before “的” in the description. Here it connects a completed preparation with the noun that follows.

的 “的” links the description “烤过” to the noun “种子” in “烤过的种子”. The phrase before “的” tells what kind of seeds they are. A reusable pattern is “description + 的 + noun”.

种子 “种子” means seeds, the ingredient proposed as a substitute for walnuts. It is modified by “烤过的” in “烤过的种子” and later used in “改用种子”. It can follow “用” or “改用” when naming an ingredient choice.

仍然 “仍然” means still, showing that the toasted seeds can provide crunch even without the walnuts. It comes before “可以”. Use it when a result remains possible despite a change or condition.

可以 “可以” means can or be able to here, saying that toasted seeds can give the dish a crunchy texture. It comes before the action or result that is possible. A reusable pattern is “可以 + verb” for stating possibility.

让 “让” means make or cause here: the seeds cause the dish to have some crunch. It is followed by the affected thing “这道菜” and then the resulting quality. A reusable pattern is “让 + person or thing + have or become a result”.

这 “这” means this, pointing to the particular dish being discussed. It appears in the noun phrase “这道菜”. It comes before a classifier and noun when identifying a specific thing.

道 “道” is the classifier for a dish in “这道菜”. It comes between “这” and “菜”. Use “一 or 这 + 道 + 菜” when counting or identifying dishes.

菜 “菜” means dish or food here, referring to the dish being prepared. It follows the classifier “道” in “这道菜”. It can be described by a texture or taste that the dish has.

有些 “有些” means some or somewhat in “有些酥脆的口感”. It limits the degree of the crisp texture rather than making an absolute claim. It can come before an adjective or description to express a moderate amount or degree.

酥脆 “酥脆” means crisp, describing the texture the toasted seeds can give the dish. It modifies “口感” in “酥脆的口感”. It is useful before a food-texture noun when describing how food feels when eaten.

口感 “口感” means texture or mouthfeel, the physical eating sensation of the dish. Here it is described as “酥脆的口感”. It commonly follows a texture word when discussing food.

改用 “改用” means switch to using something else, here changing from walnuts to seeds. It is followed by the replacement ingredient “种子”. A reusable pattern is “改用 + replacement” when changing the material or ingredient used.

并 “并” means and, linking the decision to use seeds with the additional action of keeping the allergy notice visible. It joins coordinated actions in a concise style. It is placed before the second action, as in “并在做饭时……”.

在 “在” introduces the time setting “做饭时”, meaning during cooking. It comes before the activity or place that sets the context. A reusable pattern is “在 + time or place + action”.

时 “时” means when or during in “做饭时”. It turns the preceding activity into a time expression for the following action. A reusable pattern is “activity + 时” for “while doing something”.

把 “把” marks “过敏提示” as the object being deliberately placed in “把过敏提示放在显眼的地方”. It highlights how the object is handled or positioned. A reusable pattern is “把 + object + verb + result or location”.

提示 “提示” means notice or reminder, here the allergy notice that should remain visible. It is the object marked by “把”. It can be placed before a verb that describes displaying or keeping the notice.

显眼 “显眼” means conspicuous or easy to see in “显眼的地方”. It describes the place chosen for the allergy notice. A reusable pattern is “显眼的 + place or thing” for something placed where people will notice it.

地方 “地方” means place, referring to the location where the allergy notice is kept. It follows the description “显眼的”. It can be used after a location description to identify a suitable place.

因为 “因为” means because and introduces the reason that the dish requires careful measurement. It begins the reason clause “因为这是烘焙菜肴”. A reusable pattern is “因为 + reason，所以 + result”.

是 “是” means be in “这是烘焙菜肴”, identifying what kind of dish this is. It connects “这” with “烘焙菜肴”. It commonly appears in statements that identify or classify something.

烘焙 “烘焙” refers to baking in “烘焙菜肴”, describing the type of dish. It modifies “菜肴” here. It can be placed before a food noun to describe food made by baking.

菜肴 “菜肴” means dish or cooked food, here the baked dish being prepared. It follows “烘焙” in “烘焙菜肴”. It is a more formal food-related noun than the simple “菜” used elsewhere in the dialogue.

所以 “所以” means so or therefore and introduces the result of the reason given with “因为”. It begins “所以我们还是应该严格按照用量来做”. A reusable pattern is “因为 + reason，所以 + result”.

还是 “还是” has two meanings in this dialogue. In “我们还是应该严格按照用量来做”, it means still or nevertheless; in “还是我应该再买一些？”, it means or, presenting an alternative question. The surrounding sentence determines which use is intended.

应该 “应该” means should in “我们还是应该严格按照用量来做”. It expresses advice or a recommended action. It comes before the action that is recommended.

严格 “严格” means strictly here, emphasizing that the measurements should be followed carefully. It modifies the way the speakers follow the measurements. It commonly comes before an action or instruction that must be followed closely.

按照 “按照” means according to or following, introducing the measurements that guide the cooking. It appears in “按照用量来做”. A reusable pattern is “按照 + rule, plan, or measurement + action”.

用量 “用量” means the amount to use, referring to the specified quantities of ingredients. It follows “按照” in “按照用量来做”. It can be used when discussing how much of an ingredient or material is required.

来 “来” helps connect “按照用量” with the action “做” in “按照用量来做”, meaning to make the dish by following the measurements. It introduces the action carried out according to the preceding method or basis. A reusable pattern is “按照 + basis + 来 + verb”.

做 “做” means do or make here, specifically make the dish. In “按照用量来做”, it is the action carried out according to the measurements. It can be followed by a food-related object or used after a method phrase.

牛奶 “牛奶” means milk, the ingredient whose amount is checked. It is the object of “有” in “我们的牛奶够吗”. It can be used with “够” to ask whether the supply is sufficient.

够 “够” means be enough in “我们的牛奶够吗”. It asks whether the available milk is sufficient for the cooking. A reusable pattern is “thing + 够吗” for asking whether there is enough of something.

吗 “吗” is a question particle that turns “我们的牛奶够” into the yes-or-no question “我们的牛奶够吗”. It is placed at the end of the question. It does not replace the question word order.

我 “我” means I or me, referring to the speaker who may buy more milk. It is the subject of “应该再买一些”. It normally comes before the modal or action being proposed.

再 “再” means additionally or again in “再买一些”, referring to buying more milk in addition to what is already available. It comes before the verb “买”. Use it when an additional action is considered or requested.

买 “买” means buy, referring to getting more milk. It follows “应该再” in the alternative question. It can be followed by the item being purchased or by an amount expression.

一些 “一些” means some or an unspecified amount in “再买一些”. It indicates more milk without giving an exact quantity. It commonly follows a verb such as “买” when the amount is not specified.

了 “了” in “牛奶够了” marks the state that the milk is now sufficient. It follows “够” and shows a change or newly established condition. Here it is not simply a past-time marker.

但 “但” means but, contrasting having enough milk with the need to check its date. It introduces the second instruction in “但使用前要检查一下日期”. It connects two statements with contrasting implications.

使用 “使用” means use, referring to using the milk in cooking. It appears in the time phrase “使用前”, meaning before using it. It can be followed by an ingredient or object that will be used.

日期 “日期” means date, here the date that should be checked before using the milk. It is the object of “检查一下”. It commonly appears in instructions about checking food before use.

现在 “现在” means now, locating the statement at the current point after the ingredients have been checked. It comes at the beginning of “现在这些食材看起来……”. It can be placed before the subject to set the time.

这些 “这些” means these, pointing to the ingredients currently being discussed. It modifies “食材” in “这些食材”. It comes before a noun when identifying several nearby or known items.

看起来 “看起来” means look or seem in “这些食材看起来很安全”. The whole expression gives an impression based on appearance. “看” contributes looking, while “起来” forms the expression that describes how something appears; a reusable pattern is “thing + 看起来 + description”.

很 “很” adds degree before “安全” in “看起来很安全”, meaning quite or very safe in this context. It commonly comes before an adjective in a descriptive sentence. Here it helps form a natural adjective phrase after “看起来”.

安全 “安全” means safe, describing the ingredients as suitable from an allergy and food-use perspective. It follows “很” in “看起来很安全”. It can be used after “看起来” to give an assessment.

也 “也” means also, adding that the ingredients are ready as well as safe. It appears before “都准备好了”. It commonly introduces an additional matching fact.

都 “都” means all here, referring to all of the ingredients in “这些食材”. It appears before “准备好了” and applies to the group as a whole. A reusable pattern is “these or those + noun + 都 + description”.

准备 “准备” means prepare in the phrase “准备好了”, referring to the ingredients having been prepared. Here it is part of a result expression with “好”. It can describe getting ingredients or other items ready.

好 “好” in “准备好了” marks the result that the preparation is complete and the ingredients are ready. It follows “准备” and combines with “了” to describe the current ready state. A reusable pattern is “verb + 好” for an action completed successfully or an item made ready.

这次 “这次” means this time, referring specifically to this ingredient check. It is the subject of “这次检查”. It can identify one particular occasion or round of an activity.

能 “能” means can or be able to in “能帮助我们避免过敏风险”. It expresses that the check has the ability to produce the helpful result. It comes before the verb phrase describing that result.

帮助 “帮助” means help, describing what the check should do for the speakers. It is followed by “我们” and then the actions to be avoided or maintained. A reusable pattern is “帮助 + person + verb” for helping someone do something.

避免 “避免” means avoid, referring to preventing allergy risks. It follows “帮助我们” and takes “过敏风险” as its object. A reusable pattern is “避免 + risk or problem”.

风险 “风险” means risk, here specifically the possibility of an allergy-related problem. It appears in the phrase “过敏风险”. It can follow a type of danger to name the risk being avoided.

保持 “保持” means keep or maintain, referring to keeping the dish’s taste suitable. It introduces the result that the check should help maintain. A reusable pattern is “保持 + quality or state”.

正确 “正确” means right or correct in “正确的味道”, describing the intended taste of the dish. It modifies “味道” through “的”. It can be used before a noun when identifying the desired or proper quality.

味道 “味道” means taste or flavor, referring to how the dish should taste after the substitution. It is modified by “正确的” in “正确的味道”. It can follow “保持” when discussing maintaining a dish’s flavor.

Grammar Points

完全 + 不 + 动词

完全不放核桃。

wánquán bú fàng hétáo.

Do not add walnuts at all.

完全放在否定词前，加强否定语气，表示一点儿也不。

看起来 + 形容词

看起来安全。

kàn qǐlái ānquán.

It looks safe.

看起来后面可接形容词，表示根据外观或情况作判断。

Chinese Vocabulary

过敏 adj

guòmǐn to be allergic

核桃 noun

hétáo walnut

坚果 noun

jiānguǒ nut

检查 verb

jiǎnchá to check; to inspect

开始 verb

kāishǐ to start; to begin

客人 noun

kèrén guest

食材 noun

shícái ingredient

食谱 noun

shípǔ recipe

替代品 noun

tìdàipǐn substitute; replacement

完全 adv

wánquán completely

需要 verb

xūyào to need; to require

做饭 verb

zuòfàn to cook; cooking

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to need; to require

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需要

recipe

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食谱

nut

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坚果

to start; to begin

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开始