suan

Suan is a romanization that may refer to several words across languages, most notably in Mandarin Chinese. In standard pinyin, two common characters are represented by the syllable suan when tone marks are omitted: 酸 (suān, first tone) meaning sour, and 蒜 (suàn, fourth tone) meaning garlic. The same romanization thus can refer to either concept depending on context.

Garlic (蒜) is a widely used culinary ingredient in Chinese cuisine. The bulb is commonly used fresh, minced, or as a flavoring in sauces and stir-fry dishes. The plant is often cultivated for its cloves, and the term da suan (大蒜) denotes the common garlic used in kitchens. Garlic has a long history in Eurasian cooking and is valued for its aroma and perceived health properties. In traditional Chinese cuisine and medicine, garlic is considered warming and is used to support flavor balance and sometimes to aid digestion, though modern nutrition research investigates its chemical compounds and health effects.

The character 酸 (suān, first tone) means sour or acid. It is used extensively to describe taste in foods and beverages and appears in compound words and dishes such as hot-and-sour soups, pickles, and other sour-relating phrases. In culinary contexts, sour flavors are central to many regional cuisines, influencing recipes, preservation methods, and flavor profiles.

Beyond Chinese characters, suan can appear as a romanization of names, places, or terms in different languages. Without a specified language or script, it is ambiguous and may refer to multiple unrelated items.