Definition
火候 (huǒ hou) literally refers to the precise control of heat and cooking time in dishes. Figuratively, it describes a person's refined skill or mastery (often after years of practice), or a crucial, opportune moment when conditions are exactly right.
noun
(cooking) heat controlthe degree and duration of heat when cooking(figurative) masterya person's level of skill or control in an art or craft(figurative) the right momenta crucial or opportune time
Examples
- 火候，。Zhè dào cài duì huǒ hou de yāoqiú hěn gāo, bù néng tài dà yě bù néng tài xiǎo.This dish has very high requirements for heat control; it cannot be too high or too low.
- ，火候。Tā xué huàhuà yǐjīng shí nián le, bǐ shàng hěn yǒu huǒ hou le.He has been learning painting for ten years, so his brushwork shows great mastery.
- 火候，。Tánpàn de huǒ hou yǐjīng dào le, xiànzài kāikǒu zuì héshì.The crucial moment in the negotiation has arrived; now is the best time to speak up.
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