====== báijiǔ: 白酒 - Baijiu, Chinese White Liquor ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** Baijiu, Chinese liquor, what is baijiu, báijiǔ, 白酒, Chinese alcohol, Maotai, Wuliangye, Chinese spirit, Chinese drink, how to drink baijiu, ganbei, Chinese toasting culture.
  * **Summary:** Baijiu (白酒, báijiǔ), often translated as "white liquor," is China's national drink and the most-consumed spirit in the world. It is a potent, clear distilled liquor typically made from sorghum. Far more than just an alcoholic beverage, Baijiu is a cornerstone of Chinese social life, essential for business banquets, weddings, and celebrations. Understanding Baijiu is key to understanding Chinese social customs, relationship-building, and the art of the toast.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** báijiǔ
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 4
  * **Concise Definition:** A strong, clear, distilled alcoholic beverage from China, made from fermented grains, primarily sorghum.
  * **In a Nutshell:** Baijiu is China's ubiquitous, powerful spirit. Imagine a drink with the social importance of champagne at a celebration and the deal-making function of a fine scotch, but with a completely unique, pungent aroma and a tradition of being drunk in small, communal shots. It's not a drink you sip casually alone; its purpose is to be shared to build connections and show respect.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **白 (bái):** This character means "white" or "clear." It originates from a pictogram of a grain of rice or a shimmering drop of dew, representing purity and brightness.
  * **酒 (jiǔ):** This character means "alcohol" or "liquor." It's a combination of the "water" radical (氵) on the left and the character 酉 (yǒu) on the right, which was originally a pictogram of a jar used for fermenting or storing wine.
  * Together, **白酒 (báijiǔ)** literally means "white/clear alcohol," a name that describes its transparent appearance, distinguishing it from other traditional Chinese drinks like 黄酒 (huángjiǔ), or "yellow wine."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
Baijiu is not merely a drink; it is a social tool and a cultural symbol deeply embedded in Chinese society.
  *   **Social Lubricant:** In China, sharing Baijiu is the fastest way to break the ice and build rapport, whether at a business dinner, a wedding, or a family reunion. The act of toasting and drinking together is a gesture of goodwill and sincerity.
  *   **Business and [[关系]] (guānxi):** Business deals in China are often solidified over a banquet table, and Baijiu is almost always the featured drink. The willingness to participate in toasting rituals can be interpreted as a sign of respect and trustworthiness, crucial for building [[关系]] (guānxi), or personal connections.
  *   **Comparison to the West:** While a Westerner might associate "doing shots" with a casual party atmosphere, doing shots of Baijiu is a structured and often formal affair. The Western concept of "cheers" is a light-hearted salutation; the Chinese equivalent, [[干杯]] (gānbēi), is a more binding command meaning "dry the cup," often implying you should finish your glass. The pressure and expectation are significantly higher.
  *   **Respect and Hierarchy:** Toasting etiquette (known as [[酒桌文化]], jiǔzhuō wénhuà) reflects social hierarchy. One always toasts superiors or elders first. When clinking glasses, a person of lower status will hold their glass lower than the person of higher status as a sign of respect.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
Baijiu is consumed in specific, predictable situations. You are unlikely to see someone order a Baijiu at a coffee shop or sip it while watching TV.
  *   **Banquets and Formal Dinners:** This is the primary stage for Baijiu. It will be served in a small ceramic bottle, and poured into tiny thimble-sized glasses. A series of toasts will be made throughout the meal.
  *   **Celebrations:** Weddings, Spring Festival dinners, and birthdays are all prime occasions for Baijiu. It symbolizes joy, celebration, and togetherness.
  *   **As a Prestigious Gift:** A bottle of high-end Baijiu, such as [[茅台]] (Máotái) or 五粮液 (Wǔliángyè), is a very common and respected gift, especially to elders, in-laws, or business partners.
  *   **Connotation:** In its proper context, Baijiu is overwhelmingly positive. However, the associated "drinking culture" ([[酒桌文化]], jiǔzhuō wénhuà) can sometimes be seen negatively, as it can involve immense social pressure to drink excessively.
===== Example Sentences =====
  *   **Example 1:**
    *   这瓶**白酒**很贵，是茅台。
    *   Pinyin: Zhè píng **báijiǔ** hěn guì, shì Máotái.
    *   English: This bottle of Baijiu is very expensive; it's Maotai.
    *   Analysis: This sentence highlights Baijiu's role as a luxury item. [[茅台]] (Máotái) is the most famous brand, akin to a high-end single-malt scotch.
  *   **Example 2:**
    *   来，我们一起喝杯**白酒**，干杯！
    *   Pinyin: Lái, wǒmen yīqǐ hē bēi **báijiǔ**, gānbēi!
    *   English: Come on, let's have a glass of Baijiu together, cheers!
    *   Analysis: A very common phrase used to initiate a toast. Notice the direct link between drinking **白酒** and the act of [[干杯]] (gānbēi).
  *   **Example 3:**
    *   我不太习惯**白酒**的味道，太烈了。
    *   Pinyin: Wǒ bù tài xíguàn **báijiǔ** de wèidào, tài liè le.
    *   English: I'm not really used to the taste of Baijiu, it's too strong.
    *   Analysis: A polite way for a foreigner or non-drinker to express their difficulty with Baijiu. 烈 (liè) is the key adjective, meaning "strong" or "intense" specifically for alcohol.
  *   **Example 4:**
    *   在中国，很多生意是在酒桌上喝**白酒**谈成的。
    *   Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó, hěnduō shēngyì shì zài jiǔzhuō shàng hē **báijiǔ** tán chéng de.
    *   English: In China, a lot of business is negotiated over Baijiu at the dinner table.
    *   Analysis: This sentence explicitly states the connection between **白酒** and business culture, a crucial concept for anyone working in China.
  *   **Example 5:**
    *   他酒量很好，能喝一整瓶**白酒**。
    *   Pinyin: Tā jiǔliàng hěn hǎo, néng hē yī zhěng píng **báijiǔ**.
    *   English: He has a high alcohol tolerance; he can drink a whole bottle of Baijiu.
    *   Analysis: Introduces the useful term [[酒量]] (jiǔliàng), meaning "alcohol capacity" or "tolerance." This is a frequent topic of conversation when drinking.
  *   **Example 6:**
    *   这种酱香型**白酒**产自贵州。
    *   Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng jiàngxiāng xíng **báijiǔ** chǎn zì Guìzhōu.
    *   English: This "sauce-fragrance" type of Baijiu is produced in Guizhou.
    *   Analysis: This shows that Baijiu has different categories based on its aroma profile. 酱香 (jiàngxiāng - sauce fragrance) is one of the most famous, associated with Maotai.
  *   **Example 7:**
    *   按照规矩，我应该先用**白酒**敬您一杯。
    *   Pinyin: Ànzhào guījǔ, wǒ yīnggāi xiān yòng **báijiǔ** jìng nín yībēi.
    *   English: According to custom, I should toast you first with Baijiu.
    *   Analysis: Demonstrates the formal act of [[敬酒]] (jìngjiǔ), toasting someone out of respect. This is a core part of Baijiu etiquette.
  *   **Example 8:**
    *   喝了**白酒**千万不能开车。
    *   Pinyin: Hēle **báijiǔ** qiānwàn bùnéng kāichē.
    *   English: You absolutely must not drive after drinking Baijiu.
    *   Analysis: A practical and important warning. 千万 (qiānwàn) means "by all means" or "absolutely," strengthening the prohibition.
  *   **Example 9:**
    *   除了**白酒**，中国人也喜欢喝啤酒和黄酒。
    *   Pinyin: Chúle **báijiǔ**, Zhōngguó rén yě xǐhuān hē píjiǔ hé huángjiǔ.
    *   English: Besides Baijiu, Chinese people also like to drink beer and yellow wine.
    *   Analysis: This sentence places **白酒** in context with other popular alcoholic drinks in China, like [[啤酒]] (píjiǔ - beer) and [[黄酒]] (huángjiǔ - yellow wine).
  *   **Example 10:**
    *   我爸爸喜欢吃饭的时候小酌两杯**白酒**。
    *   Pinyin: Wǒ bàba xǐhuān chīfàn de shíhòu xiǎo zhuó liǎng bēi **báijiǔ**.
    *   English: My dad likes to have a couple of small sips of Baijiu during meals.
    *   Analysis: This introduces a more casual way of drinking Baijiu. 小酌 (xiǎo zhuó) means "to have a little drink," implying moderation and enjoyment rather than the social pressure of a banquet.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  *   **The Biggest Mistake: Confusing Baijiu with White Wine.** This is the most common error for beginners. **白酒 (báijiǔ) is a strong, clear spirit, NOT white wine.** White wine is **白葡萄酒 (bái pútáojiǔ)**. If you ask for "báijiǔ" at a restaurant expecting a Chardonnay, you are in for a powerful surprise.
  *   **Incorrect Usage:** Ordering it "on the rocks."
    *   //Incorrect:// 我要一杯**白酒**加冰块。(Wǒ yào yībēi **báijiǔ** jiā bīng kuài.) - "I want a glass of Baijiu with ice."
    *   //Why it's wrong:// Baijiu is almost exclusively drunk neat at room temperature. Adding ice is a very Western practice and would be seen as bizarre. It's considered to ruin the complex aroma of the spirit.
  *   **Cultural Pitfall: Misunderstanding Toasting Etiquette.** Simply saying "cheers" and taking a small sip can be a faux pas, especially if a host has toasted you with a loud [[干杯]] (gānbēi - "dry cup!"). While you are not always required to finish the glass (especially as a foreigner), you should make a significant effort and show respect for the gesture. Not reciprocating a toast can be seen as rude.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[干杯]] (gānbēi) - "Dry the cup." The essential Chinese toast. More of a command than a suggestion.
  *   [[茅台]] (Máotái) - The most famous, prestigious, and often expensive brand of Baijiu, frequently used for state banquets and as a high-status gift.
  *   [[酒桌文化]] (jiǔzhuō wénhuà) - "Table-drinking culture." The complex set of social rules, etiquette, and power dynamics surrounding drinking at banquets.
  *   [[敬酒]] (jìngjiǔ) - To propose a toast to someone, typically as a sign of respect to an elder, a host, or a superior.
  *   [[酒量]] (jiǔliàng) - A person's alcohol tolerance or drinking capacity. A common topic of conversation.
  *   [[烈酒]] (lièjiǔ) - A general term for "strong liquor" or "spirits," of which Baijiu is a prime example.
  *   [[黄酒]] (huángjiǔ) - "Yellow wine." A traditional Chinese fermented beverage, typically made from rice. It is brewed, not distilled, and has a much lower alcohol content than Baijiu.
  *   [[啤酒]] (píjiǔ) - Beer. A very popular and more casual alcoholic drink in China.
  *   [[葡萄酒]] (pútáojiǔ) - "Grape wine." The specific term for Western-style wine. Differentiated into 红葡萄酒 (hóng pútáojiǔ - red wine) and 白葡萄酒 (bái pútáojiǔ - white wine).