滚烫 (gǔn tàng) is an adjective meaning 'scalding hot' — so hot it could burn the skin or mouth instantly. The first character 滚 (gǔn) means 'to boil' or 'rolling', evoking vigorous bubbling water; the second 烫 (tàng) means 'hot enough to burn', often used for surfaces, liquids, or food that cause immediate discomfort on contact. Together, they intensify each other: not just hot, but dangerously, vividly hot — like freshly boiled water, steam from a kettle, or oil just before frying.

This word appears frequently in daily life when warning others about temperature risks — especially with food, drinks, cooking utensils, or medical heat therapy. It carries a strong sensory and cautionary tone, implying urgency and physical reaction (e.g., pulling your hand away). Unlike milder terms like 热 (rè, 'hot') or 炎热 (yánrè, 'sweltering'), 滚烫 emphasizes immediate, painful heat intensity and is rarely used metaphorically.