When you’re talking about food in Mandarin, it’s helpful to know some important words and phrases. Here’s a simple list of terms that can make it easier to discuss food and dining.

Basic Words

1. 吃 (chī) - to eat
2. 喝 (hē) - to drink
3. 餐馆 (cānguǎn) - restaurant
4. 菜单 (càidān) - menu
5. 食物 (shíwù) - food
6. 饮料 (yǐnliào) - drinks

Common Phrases

1. 我想要点菜。 (Wǒ xiǎng yào diǎn cài.) - I would like to order.
2. 请给我菜单。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān.) - Please give me the menu.
3. 你们的特色菜是什么？ (Nǐmen de tèsè cài shì shénme?) - What is your special dish?
4. 这道菜很好吃。 (Zhè dào cài hěn hǎo chī.) - This dish is very tasty.
5. 我不喜欢这个味道。 (Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhège wèidào.) - I don’t like this flavor.
6. 结账请！(Jiézhàng qǐng!) - The check, please!

Talking About Food

1. 好吃 (hǎo chī) - delicious
2. 辣 (là) - spicy
3. 甜 (tián) - sweet
4. 咸 (xián) - salty
5. 酸 (suān) - sour

Dining Manners

• 用筷子 (yòng kuàizi) - Use chopsticks
• 谢谢招待！(Xièxiè zhāodài!) - Thank you for the meal!

By learning these important words and phrases, you can feel more confident when talking about food in Mandarin.

Practice these terms to get better and feel more comfortable when you eat out!