'和面' (huó miàn) is a compound verb meaning 'to knead dough'—the essential step in preparing bread, buns, dumpling wrappers, and other wheat-based foods. The character 和 (huó) here is a special reading meaning 'to mix or blend thoroughly with water', distinct from its more common pronunciation hé (meaning 'and' or 'harmony'). The character 面 (miàn) means 'flour' or 'dough'. Together, they describe the physical action of combining flour with water (and sometimes oil, eggs, or leavening agents) and working it into a smooth, elastic mass by hand or machine.

This term is used almost exclusively in cooking contexts—especially home kitchens, bakeries, and traditional noodle or dumpling preparation. It implies active manipulation: pressing, folding, turning, and resting the dough until gluten develops. Unlike general mixing (e.g., 搅拌 jiǎo bàn), 和面 specifically refers to dough formation and requires tactile judgment about consistency and elasticity.