Definition
麻辣 (má là) is a compound adjective describing the signature Sichuan flavor that is both numbing (麻) and spicy (辣). It is more specific than 辣 (là), which means just 'spicy' or 'hot' without the numbing sensation. This term is used for dishes like 麻辣火锅 (numbing-and-spicy hot pot) and is essential for describing Sichuan cuisine.
adjective
numbing and spicy (Sichuan-style flavor)
Examples
- 麻辣，。Wǒ tèbié xǐhuan má là huǒguō, dōngtiān chī zuì guòyǐn.I really like numbing and spicy hot pot; it's most satisfying in winter.
- 麻辣。Zhè zhǒng má là de kǒuwèi zài Sìchuān cài lǐ hěn chángjiàn.This numbing and spicy flavor is very common in Sichuan cuisine.
- 麻辣，。Tā dì yī cì chī má là miàn, là de zhí màohàn.He ate numbing and spicy noodles for the first time and was sweating from the heat.
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