dòufu: 豆腐 - Tofu, Bean Curd

• Keywords: dòufu, 豆腐, tofu, bean curd, Chinese tofu, what is tofu, types of tofu, how to say tofu in Chinese, dòufu meaning, mapo tofu, chī dòufu, Chinese food, vegetarian Chinese food
• Summary: Discover the world of 豆腐 (dòufu), the versatile and culturally significant food known in English as tofu or bean curd. Far more than just a meat substitute, dòufu is a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine with a history spanning two millennia. This guide explores its meaning, cultural importance, different types, and practical usage, including the surprising slang term “chī dòufu”.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dòufu (dòu fu)
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A soft, protein-rich food made from condensed soy milk pressed into solid blocks.
• In a Nutshell: 豆腐 (dòufu) is a fundamental ingredient in Chinese cooking, prized for its subtle flavor and incredible ability to absorb the tastes of sauces and broths it's cooked with. It's not seen as a modern “health food” or a simple meat replacement, but as a traditional, delicious, and versatile component of countless dishes, from humble family meals to elaborate banquet courses.

• 豆 (dòu): This character means “bean,” and in this context, specifically refers to soybeans (黄豆, huángdòu). Its ancient form was a pictograph of a ritual vessel, but it evolved to represent the beans often stored within.
• 腐 (fǔ): This character can mean “to rot” or “spoil,” which can be misleading for English speakers. Here, it refers to the process of curdling or fermenting. Think of it in the same way “cheese” is curdled milk; 豆腐 is curdled soy milk.
• Together, 豆腐 (dòufu) literally translates to “bean curd,” accurately describing how it's made.

豆腐 (dòufu) is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, far beyond its role as a food item. Legend attributes its invention to Prince Liu An (刘安) of the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, who was supposedly seeking an elixir of immortality. Its significance is twofold:

1. **Culinary Staple:** In China, tofu is not a niche product for vegetarians. It's a daily ingredient for everyone. Its blandness is its greatest strength, allowing it to be a canvas for China's diverse and powerful regional flavors, from the fiery Sichuan peppercorns in **麻婆豆腐 (mápó dòufu)** to the savory broths of the south.
2. **Symbol of Simplicity and Humility:** Tofu has historical associations with Buddhist vegetarianism and a simple, frugal lifestyle. The idiom **青菜豆腐 (qīngcài dòufu)**, literally "green vegetables and tofu," refers to a simple, plain meal and by extension, a humble way of life.

Comparison to Western Culture: While in the West, tofu is often perceived primarily as a meat substitute and a key part of vegetarian or vegan diets, in China, it is a category of food in its own right. It is frequently cooked with meat (e.g., Mapo Tofu often contains minced pork) where it's valued for its texture and flavor-absorbing qualities, not as a replacement for the meat. This is a key difference: in the West it's an alternative, while in China it's a co-star.

豆腐 is ubiquitous in China. You can find it everywhere, from street food stalls to the most refined restaurants.

Different types of tofu are used for different cooking methods:

• 老豆腐 (lǎo dòufu) - Firm Tofu: Literally “old tofu,” it has a lower water content and holds its shape well. It's perfect for stir-frying, pan-frying, and braising.
• 嫩豆腐 (nèn dòufu) - Silken/Soft Tofu: Literally “tender tofu,” it has a high water content and a delicate, custard-like texture. It's used in soups, steamed dishes, and desserts.
• 豆干 (dòugān) - Pressed Tofu: Extra-firm tofu that has been pressed and often flavored. It has a chewy, meaty texture and is used in stir-fries or as an appetizer.

This is a critical nuance for learners. Literally “to eat tofu,” this slang phrase means to take advantage of someone, usually by flirting or through unwelcome physical contact (groping). It's most often used to describe a man taking advantage of a woman. It is a very informal and often negative term.

• Connotation: Negative, accusatory.
• Formality: Very informal, slang.

• Example 1:
  • 我晚饭想吃豆腐。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ wǎnfàn xiǎng chī dòufu.
  • English: I want to eat tofu for dinner.
  • Analysis: A simple, direct sentence expressing a desire to eat tofu. This is the most basic and common usage.
• Example 2:
  • 这家川菜馆的麻婆豆腐非常地道。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā Chuāncàiguǎn de mápó dòufu fēicháng dìdào.
  • English: The Mapo Tofu at this Sichuan restaurant is very authentic.
  • Analysis: Here, 豆腐 is part of a famous dish name, 麻婆豆腐 (mápó dòufu).
• Example 3:
  • 你喜欢吃硬一点的还是软一点的豆腐？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ xǐhuān chī yìng yīdiǎn de háishì ruǎn yīdiǎn de dòufu?
  • English: Do you like to eat firmer or softer tofu?
  • Analysis: This sentence distinguishes between the different textures of tofu, a common consideration when cooking or ordering.
• Example 4:
  • 妈妈，今天的豆腐汤太好喝了！
  • Pinyin: Māma, jīntiān de dòufu tāng tài hǎo hē le!
  • English: Mom, the tofu soup today is so delicious!
  • Analysis: This shows tofu being used in a soup (汤, tāng), a common application for softer varieties.
• Example 5:
  • 听说臭豆腐闻起来臭，吃起来香。
  • Pinyin: Tīngshuō chòu dòufu wén qǐlái chòu, chī qǐlái xiāng.
  • English: I've heard that stinky tofu smells bad but tastes delicious.
  • Analysis: This refers to a specific, popular type of street food, 臭豆腐 (chòu dòufu).
• Example 6:
  • 为了健康，我们今晚就吃青菜豆腐吧。
  • Pinyin: Wèile jiànkāng, wǒmen jīn wǎn jiù chī qīngcài dòufu ba.
  • English: For the sake of health, let's just eat vegetables and tofu tonight.
  • Analysis: This uses the common pairing 青菜豆腐 (qīngcài dòufu) to refer to a simple, healthy meal.
• Example 7:
  • 冻豆腐很适合用来吃火锅。
  • Pinyin: Dòng dòufu hěn shìhé yònglái chī huǒguō.
  • English: Frozen tofu is very suitable for eating with hot pot.
  • Analysis: This introduces another type of tofu, 冻豆腐 (dòng dòufu), which has a spongy texture perfect for absorbing hot pot broth.
• Example 8:
  • 他在地铁上总是想办法吃女生的豆腐，真恶心。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài dìtiě shàng zǒngshì xiǎng bànfǎ chī nǚshēng de dòufu, zhēněxīn.
  • English: He's always trying to take advantage of (flirt with/touch) girls on the subway, it's disgusting.
  • Analysis: Crucial example of the idiom 吃豆腐 (chī dòufu). The meaning is completely non-literal and highly negative.
• Example 9:
  • 别开玩笑了，我不是在吃你豆腐，我只是帮你拿掉你头发上的东西。
  • Pinyin: Bié kāiwánxiào le, wǒ bùshì zài chī nǐ dòufu, wǒ zhǐshì bāng nǐ ná diào nǐ tóufǎ shàng de dōngxī.
  • English: Stop joking, I'm not hitting on you, I was just helping you get something out of your hair.
  • Analysis: This shows a denial of the accusation of 吃豆腐, highlighting its common use in social situations.
• Example 10:
  • 这道家常豆腐的做法很简单，你也可以试试。
  • Pinyin: Zhè dào jiācháng dòufu de zuòfǎ hěn jiǎndān, nǐ yě kěyǐ shì shi.
  • English: The method for this home-style tofu is very simple, you can also give it a try.
  • Analysis: Refers to a common dish style, 家常豆腐 (jiācháng dòufu), emphasizing its role in everyday cooking.

• “Rotten” vs. “Curdled”: The biggest mistake is to literally translate 腐 (fǔ) as “rotten.” This makes the food sound spoiled and unappetizing. Always remember it means “curdled” in this context, like cheese.
• Not Just for Vegetarians: Do not assume a dish with tofu is vegetarian. Many classic Chinese dishes, like Mapo Tofu, mix tofu and meat together.
• Confusing the Idiom with the Food: The most significant pitfall is misinterpreting the slang term 吃豆腐 (chī dòufu). If someone says, “他吃了我的豆腐 (tā chīle wǒ de dòufu),” it means “He took advantage of me,” NOT “He ate my tofu.” Context is everything. Avoid using the phrase “我喜欢吃豆腐 (wǒ xǐhuān chī dòufu)” in a playful or joking social context, as it could be misinterpreted as “I like hitting on people.” It's better to be specific, e.g., “我喜欢吃麻婆豆腐 (I like to eat Mapo Tofu).”

• 豆浆 (dòujiāng) - Soy milk. The liquid from which tofu is made. A very common breakfast drink in China.
• 麻婆豆腐 (mápó dòufu) - Mapo Tofu. A world-famous, spicy Sichuan dish.
• 臭豆腐 (chòu dòufu) - Stinky tofu. A fermented tofu with a strong odor, popular as a street food.
• 豆干 (dòugān) - Pressed tofu. A firmer, chewier form of tofu, often sold pre-seasoned.
• 腐竹 (fǔzhú) - Tofu skin. The skin that forms on top of soy milk as it's boiled, sold in dried sheets or sticks.
• 素食 (sùshí) - Vegetarian food/diet. Tofu is a central ingredient in Chinese vegetarian cuisine.
• 吃豆腐 (chī dòufu) - The important idiom meaning “to flirt with” or “to take advantage of someone.”
• 酱油 (jiàngyóu) - Soy sauce. A fundamental condiment made from soybeans, and a frequent companion to tofu dishes.
• 黄豆 (huángdòu) - Soybean. The raw ingredient for tofu.