tang

/tæŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈæŋ] /tæŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈæŋ] /ˈtaŋ/ (ame, mw)

tang — noun

1. a pleasantly strong and sharp flavour or smell, especially from citrus fruit, vi

1.名詞B1
釋義

a pleasantly strong and sharp flavour or smell, especially from citrus fruit, vinegar, ginger, or sea air

例句

The lemonade had a refreshing tang that made it perfect for a hot summer day.

tang + refreshing (positive collocation)

A delicious tang of ginger filled the kitchen as Putri stirred the soup.

tang + of + ginger (source noun)

同義詞
  • zest

    specifically associated with citrus peel; brighter and more lively than tang

  • bite

    stronger and sometimes unpleasant; used for chilli, strong mustard, or cold wind

  • pungency

    more formal; emphasises strong smell (onions, garlic) rather than taste

  • flavour

    the general term for any taste experience; tang is a specific type of flavour

反義詞
  • blandness

    complete lack of strong taste or smell

文法句型

tang + of + noun (the source of the flavour/smell)

用法筆記

Often describes a pleasant sharpness, especially from ingredients like lemon, lime, ginger, or vinegar. The adjective form is tangy.

常見錯誤

❌This chilli has a nice tang.
✅This chilli has a nice kick / heat.
💡'tang' suggests a sharp, zesty flavour (like citrus or vinegar), not the burning sensation of chilli.
❌The cake had a sweet tang.
✅The cake had a sweet-and-sour tang.
💡'tang' implies sharpness; sweet alone is not compatible with a tangy quality.

2. a small amount of a quality, feeling, or characteristic that is noticeable but n

2.名詞B2
釋義

a small amount of a quality, feeling, or characteristic that is noticeable but not fully developed

例句

Wren's voice had a tang of bitterness when she talked about the failed project.

tang + of + abstract noun (bitterness)

Daichi's polite apology at the meeting carried a tang of insincerity.

同義詞
  • hint

    lighter and more general; can be used for both concrete and abstract

  • trace

    emphasises a very small amount, often barely noticeable

  • touch

    softer and gentler; often positive (a touch of humour)

  • suggestion

    more neutral; implies something is present but not strong

反義詞
  • abundance

    a large amount, the opposite of a small trace

文法句型

tang + of + abstract noun (bitterness, sadness, excitement)

用法筆記

More literary than the 'sharp flavour' sense. Typically used with abstract nouns describing emotions or qualities — bitterness, sadness, excitement, humour, nostalgia. Distinguish from sense 1 (SHARP FLAVOUR OR SMELL), which refers to concrete taste or smell experiences.

常見錯誤

❌Daichi's voice had a tang to sadness when he mentioned his hometown.
✅Daichi's voice had a tang of sadness when he mentioned his hometown.
💡The abstract 'trace' sense always takes the preposition 'of', not 'to' or 'in'.
❌This salad has a tang of nostalgia.
✅This salad has a hint of nostalgia.
💡'Tang of' (sense 2) with food items feels unnatural for the abstract sense; food ingredients should use sense 1 (SHARP FLAVOUR OR SMELL) or a different word like 'hint'.