noun HSK 2
milk · cow's milk
Meaning
牛奶 literally means 'cow milk' and refers to dairy milk consumed as a beverage or used in cooking. It is one of the most common everyday food items in Chinese vocabulary and appears frequently in conversations about breakfast, drinks, and nutrition.
Usage
This is the standard, neutral term for milk in modern Mandarin. When ordering at cafes or buying groceries, 牛奶 is the default word used. In contrast, 奶 alone can mean milk but is less specific and might refer to breast milk or be used in compounds. 牛奶 specifically indicates cow's milk.
Examples
- 01我每天早上都喝一杯牛奶。.I drink a glass of milk every morning.
- 02这个蛋糕需要加牛奶和鸡蛋。.This cake requires adding milk and eggs.
Characters
Measure words
- 杯一杯牛奶
- 瓶两瓶牛奶
- 盒一盒牛奶
Common collocations
- 喝牛奶to drink milk
- 一杯牛奶a glass of milk
- 热牛奶hot milk
- 鲜牛奶fresh milk
Origin
The word combines 牛 (cow) with 奶 (milk), creating a transparent compound that literally means 'cow milk.' This straightforward formation reflects the practical nature of Chinese compound words.