‘鸡汤’ literally means 'chicken soup'—a traditional Chinese dish made by simmering chicken (often with bones, herbs, or vegetables) in water for hours. The character 鸡 (jī) means 'chicken', and 汤 (tāng) means 'soup' or 'broth'; together, they form a compound noun referring specifically to this nourishing, warming food.

In Chinese culture, 鸡汤 is strongly associated with home remedies and care—especially when someone is ill, recovering, or feeling emotionally drained. It’s commonly served to children, elders, or convalescents, symbolizing warmth, comfort, and familial love. Beyond its literal meaning, the term is sometimes used metaphorically (e.g., in internet slang) to refer to uplifting but overly simplistic inspirational advice—but this figurative use is informal and context-dependent; the primary, everyday meaning remains the food itself.