火候

huǒhou

HSK 7

火候 — huǒhou

1. the degree of heat or timing when cooking; how long/how hot to cook something

   这道菜要掌握好火候，才能保证肉质鲜嫩。 zhè dàocài yào zhǎngwò hǎo huǒhòu cáinéng bǎozhèng ròuzhì xiānnèn — You must get the cooking time/heat right for this dish to keep the meat tender.

2. fig. the right degree of skill or timing; mastery of technique

   他在写作上还有提高火候的空间。 tā zài xiězuò shàng háiyǒu tígāo huǒhòu de kōngjiān — He still has room to improve his mastery (in writing).

3. fig. a critical or decisive moment; the right timing for action

   现在正是出手的火候，别再犹豫了。 xiànzài zhèngshì chūshǒu de huǒhòu bié zài yóuyù le — Now is the critical moment to act; don't hesitate.