{"id":182498,"date":"2019-03-27T06:52:33","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T10:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/ordering-in-chinese\/"},"modified":"2025-01-17T06:08:56","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T11:08:56","slug":"ordering-in-chinese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/chinese\/ordering-in-chinese\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Order Food in Chinese: Essential Words and Phrases for Dining Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

Deciding what you want to eat can be very difficult when you love food. If you’re at a Chinese restaurant, then there are likely a lot of interesting dishes<\/a> you’ll want to order.<\/p>\n

Take a look at this guide to get to speed on all the basics of ordering in Chinese<\/strong>, including how to read a Chinese menu and what you need to know about dining out in China.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Getting a Table in Chinese<\/h2>\n

When stepping into a restaurant, there are several phrases that you might be greeted with. Assuming that you’re going out for a meal with friends during peak hours, those greetings might be accompanied by phrases that indicate how busy the place is currently.<\/p>\n

Here are a few things you might hear when you walk into a restaurant.<\/p>\n

\u6b22\u8fce\u5149\u4e34\uff01<\/strong>
\n(hu\u0101n y\u00edng gu\u0101ng l\u00edn!)<\/em>
\nWelcome!<\/p>\n

\u8bf7\u7a0d\u7b49\u4e00\u4e0b\u3002<\/strong>
\n(q\u01d0ng sh\u0101o d\u011bng y\u00ed xi\u00e0.)<\/em>\u00a0
\nPlease wait a moment.<\/p>\n

\u5bf9\u4e0d\u8d77\uff0c\u6ca1\u6709\u4f4d\u5b50\u4e86\u3002<\/strong>
\n(du\u00ec bu q\u01d0, m\u00e9i y\u01d2u w\u00e8i zi le.)<\/em>
\nSorry, we are full\/have no more seats left.<\/p>\n

In addition to these phrases, here are a few questions the waitstaff might ask you (and how you could potentially respond to them).<\/p>\n

Example 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: \u4f60\u9884\u5b9a\u4e00\u5f20\u684c\u5b50\u4e86\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(n\u01d0 y\u00f9 d\u00ecng y\u00ec zh\u0101ng zhu\u014d zi le ma?)<\/em>
\nHave you booked a table\/made a reservation?<\/p>\n

B: \u6ca1\u6709\u3002<\/strong>
\n(m\u00e9i y\u01d2u.)<\/em>
\nNo, I haven’t.<\/p>\n

or<\/p>\n

B: \u9884\u5b9a\u4e86\u3002\u540d\u5b57\u662fSheena\u3002<\/strong>
\n(y\u00f9 d\u00ecng le. m\u00edng z\u00ec sh\u00ec Sheena.)<\/em>
\nYes. [Reservation] name is under Sheena.<\/p>\n

Example 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: \u8bf7\u95ee\u51e0\u4f4d\uff1f
\n<\/strong>(q\u01d0ng w\u00e8n j\u012b w\u00e8i?)<\/em>
\n[Table] for how many?<\/p>\n

B: \u4e94\u4f4d\u3002
\n<\/strong>(w\u01d4 w\u00e8i.)
\n<\/em>[Table] for five.<\/p>\n

Example 3:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: \u62bd\u70df\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(ch\u014du y\u0101n ma?)<\/em>
\nSmoking [or non-smoking]?<\/p>\n

B: \u4e0d\u62bd\u70df\u3002
\n<\/strong> (b\u00f9 ch\u014du y\u0101n.)<\/em>
\nNon-smoking.<\/p>\n

Example 4:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: \u73b0\u5728\u6ca1\u6709\u4f4d\u5b50\u3002\u4f60\u80fd\u7b49\u5341\u4e94\u5206\u949f\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(xi\u00e0n z\u00e0i m\u00e9i y\u01d2u w\u00e8i zi. n\u01d0 n\u00e9ng d\u011bng sh\u00ed w\u01d4 f\u0113n zh\u014dng ma?)<\/em>
\nWe have no seats at the moment. Are you willing to wait for 15 minutes?<\/p>\n

B: \u6ca1\u95ee\u9898\u3002<\/strong>
\n(m\u00e9i w\u00e8n t\u00ed.)<\/em>
\nSure, no problem.<\/p>\n

Browsing a Chinese Menu<\/h2>\n

At this point, the waiter or waitress will show you to your table. Depending on how busy the place is, the waitstaff might not hand you a menu right away. In this case, you can flag down a server by calling them \u670d\u52a1\u5458\u00a0(f\u00fa w\u00f9 yu\u00e1n)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Some textbooks might teach you that \u5c0f\u59d0 (xi\u01ceo ji\u011b)<\/em> or “Miss” is an appropriate way to address a waitress, but in China, it’s slang for prostitute<\/a>, so best to stick with the respectable term \u670d\u52a1\u5458<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here’s what you can ask once you have a server’s attention:<\/p>\n

\u83dc\u5355\u3002
\n<\/strong>(c\u00e0i d\u0101n.)<\/em>
\nMay we have a menu?<\/p>\n

To ask for water, you can use this phrase: number + \u676f\u6c34 (b\u0113i sh\u01d4i)<\/em><\/strong>. For example:<\/p>\n

\u4e09\u676f\u6c34\u3002<\/strong>
\n(s\u0101n b\u0113i sh\u01d4i.)
\n<\/em>May we have three glasses of water?<\/p>\n

It’s also common to ask for tea:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u4e00\u58f6\u8336\u3002<\/strong>
\n(y\u00ec h\u00fa ch\u00e1.)<\/em>
\nMay we have a pot of tea?<\/p>\n

Some restaurants will have English and Chinese menus or menus with pictures, which makes it miles easier for foreigners to order food. However, there will be places that have neither English nor pictures.<\/p>\n

While you can use your handy translation apps<\/a>, you have to learn the words at some point. Not saying you have to memorize all of the names of typical Chinese dishes<\/a>, but knowing certain characters will offer clues on which type of meat is used in certain menu items, and the method used to cook those dishes.<\/p>\n

Here’s a list of ingredients you might come across:<\/p>\n

\u86cb<\/strong> (d\u00e0n)<\/em> \u2014 egg<\/p>\n

\u8089<\/strong> (r\u00f2u)<\/em> \u2014 meat<\/p>\n

\u7f8a<\/strong> (y\u00e1ng)<\/em> \u2014 lamb<\/p>\n

\u732a<\/strong> (zh\u016b)<\/em> \u2014 pork<\/p>\n

\u725b<\/strong> (ni\u00fa)<\/em> \u2014 beef<\/p>\n

\u9e21<\/strong> (j\u012b)<\/em> \u2014 chicken<\/p>\n

\u9e2d<\/strong> (y\u0101)<\/em> \u2014 duck<\/p>\n

\u9c7c<\/strong> (y\u00fa)<\/em> \u2014 fish<\/p>\n

\u867e<\/strong> (xi\u0101)<\/em> \u2014 shrimp<\/p>\n

\u9c7f\u9c7c<\/strong> (y\u00f3u y\u00fa)<\/em> \u2014 squid<\/p>\n

\u852c\u83dc<\/strong> (sh\u016b c\u00e0i)<\/em> \u2014 vegetables<\/p>\n

\u996d<\/strong> (f\u00e0n)<\/em> \u2014 rice<\/p>\n

\u9762<\/strong> (mi\u00e0n)<\/em> \u2014 noodles<\/p>\n

And here are some characters that describe how the food is cooked:<\/p>\n

\u70e4<\/strong> (k\u01ceo)<\/em> \u2014 roasted<\/p>\n

\u7092<\/strong> (ch\u01ceo)<\/em> \u2014 stir-fried<\/p>\n

\u62c9\u9762<\/strong> (l\u0101 mi\u00e0n)<\/em> \u2014 pulled noodles<\/p>\n

\u8fa3<\/strong> (l\u00e0)<\/em> \u2014 spicy<\/p>\n

\u6e05\u84b8<\/strong> (q\u012bng zh\u0113ng)<\/em> \u2014 steamed<\/p>\n

\u6392<\/strong> (p\u00e1i)<\/em> \u2014 steak, fillet, chop<\/p>\n

\u7116<\/strong> (m\u00e8n)<\/em> \u2014 braised<\/p>\n

\u6cb9<\/strong> (y\u01d2u)<\/em> \u2014 (in) oil<\/p>\n

\u6c64<\/strong> (t\u0101ng)<\/em> \u2014 soup<\/p>\n

\u5c0f\u83dc<\/strong> (xi\u01ceo c\u00e0i)<\/em> \u2014 cold\/side dish<\/p>\n

Ordering in Chinese<\/h2>\n

When you’re ready to order, call over the\u00a0\u670d\u52a1\u5458<\/strong> and say\uff1a<\/p>\n

\u70b9\u83dc\u3002<\/strong>
\n(di\u01cen c\u00e0i.)<\/em>\u00a0
\nI would like to order.<\/p>\n

To start ordering, there’s one key phrase that you need to know:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u6211\u8981 + number + \u4efd+ dish\u3002
\n<\/strong>(w\u01d2 y\u00e0o <\/em>+ number + f\u00e8n<\/em> + dish.)<\/em>
\nI want\/would like [number] order(s) of [dish].<\/p>\n

Let’s say you’re ordering two plates of egg fried rice for the group. Using the formula above, you would say:<\/p>\n

\u6211\u8981\u4e24\u4efd\u86cb\u7092\u996d\u3002
\n<\/strong>(w\u01d2 y\u00e0o li\u01ceng f\u00e8n d\u00e0n ch\u01ceo f\u00e0n.)<\/em>
\nI would like two orders of egg fried rice.<\/p>\n

But what if you don’t know how to pronounce your order, or are referring to the pictures? All you have to do is point to the picture and say:<\/p>\n

\u6211\u8981\u4e00\u4efd\u8fd9\u4e2a\u3002<\/strong>
\n(w\u01d2 y\u00e0o y\u00ed f\u00e8n zh\u00e8 ge.)<\/em>
\nI would like one order of this.<\/p>\n

\u4efd<\/strong>\u00a0is the measure word for plates or dishes. If you want to order drinks, you would use this formula:<\/p>\n

\u6211\u8981 + number + \u676f + drink\u3002<\/strong>
\n(w\u01d2 y\u00e0o<\/em> + number + b\u0113i +<\/em> drink.)
\nI want [number] glass(es) of [drink].<\/p>\n

\u6211\u8981\u4e03\u676f\u6a59\u6c41\u3002<\/strong>
\n(w\u01d2 y\u00e0o q\u012b b\u0113i ch\u00e9ng zh\u012b.)<\/em>
\nI would like seven glasses of orange juice.<\/p>\n

\u6211\u8981\u4e09\u676f\u8fd9\u4e2a\u3002<\/strong>
\n(w\u01d2 y\u00e0o s\u0101n b\u0113i zh\u00e8 ge.)<\/em>\u00a0
\nI would like three glasses of this.<\/p>\n

If your drink comes in a can, replace \u676f<\/strong>\u00a0in the formula with \u542c<\/strong>\u00a0(t\u012bng)<\/em>. If your drink comes in a bottle, you would use \u74f6<\/strong>\u00a0(p\u00edng)<\/em> as your measure word.<\/p>\n

Still want to clarify a couple of things before placing your order? Feel free to ask any of these questions below:<\/p>\n

\u6709\u6ca1\u6709\u7d20\u98df\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(y\u01d2u m\u00e9i y\u01d2u s\u00f9 sh\u00ed?)<\/em>
\nAre there vegetarian\/vegan dishes?<\/p>\n

\u8fd9\u4e2a\u5f88\u8fa3\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(zh\u00e8 ge h\u011bn l\u00e0 ma?)<\/em>
\nIs this very spicy?<\/p>\n

\u4eca\u5929\u6709\u4ec0\u4e48\u7279\u522b\u7684\u83dc\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(j\u012bn ti\u0101n y\u014fu sh\u00e9n me t\u00e8 bi\u00e9 de c\u00e0i ma?)<\/em>
\nWhat is today’s special?<\/p>\n

\u4f60\u63a8\u8350\u4ec0\u4e48\u83dc\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(n\u01d0 tu\u012b ji\u00e0n sh\u00e9n me c\u00e0i ma?)<\/em>
\nWhat dish do you recommend?<\/p>\n

Those questions should clear up any last-minute concerns you have about the menu.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Receiving Your Order<\/h2>\n

It’s finally time to receive your order! For sharing plates, the server will just say the name of the dish and place it in the middle. If you’ve ordered something for yourself, you can respond to the\u00a0\u670d\u52a1\u5458<\/strong> with:<\/p>\n

\u6211\u7684\u3002<\/strong>
\n(w\u01d2 de.)<\/em>
\nThat’s mine.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, orders get mixed up or take longer than expected. In those instances, you can say to your server:<\/p>\n

\u8fd9\u4e0d\u662f\u6211\u70b9\u7684\u3002<\/strong>
\n(zh\u00e8 b\u00fa sh\u00ec w\u01d2 di\u01cen de.)<\/em>
\nThis isn’t what I ordered.<\/p>\n

\u6211\u70b9\u7684\u83dc\u8fd8\u6ca1\u5230\u3002<\/strong>
\n(w\u01d2 di\u01cen de c\u00e0i h\u00e1i m\u00e9i d\u00e0o.)<\/em>
\nThe food I ordered hasn’t arrived yet.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, what you order won’t be enough. Here are a few things you might tell the waiter to add more food to the table:<\/p>\n

\u6211\u8fd8\u53ef\u4ee5\u70b9\u4e00\u4efd\u8fd9\u4e2a\u5417\uff1f
\n<\/strong> (w\u01d2 h\u00e1i k\u011b y\u01d0 di\u01cen y\u00ed f\u00e8n zh\u00e8 ge ma?)<\/em>
\nCan I order one more of this dish?<\/p>\n

\u4f60\u8fd8\u53ef\u4ee5\u52a0\u4e24\u7897\u7c73\u996d\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(n\u01d0 h\u00e1i k\u011b y\u01d0 ji\u0101 li\u01ceng w\u01cen m\u01d0 f\u00e0n ma?)<\/em>
\nCan you add two more bowls of rice?<\/p>\n

\u4f60\u4eec\u6709\u4ec0\u4e48\u751c\u70b9\uff1f <\/strong>
\n(n\u01d0 men y\u01d2u sh\u00e9n me ti\u00e1n di\u01cen?)<\/em>
\nWhat desserts do you have?<\/p>\n

Paying the Bill in Chinese<\/h2>\n

Now it’s time to pay the bill. Let your server know you’re ready by saying:<\/p>\n

\u670d\u52a1\u5458\uff0c\u4e70\u5355\u3002<\/strong>
\n(f\u00fa w\u00f9 yu\u00e1n, m\u01cei d\u0101n.)
\n<\/em>Waiter, can we have the bill?\u00a0<\/p>\n

You’ll also need to specify whether you want one bill or separate bills, so in addition, you’d tell your waiter:<\/p>\n

\u4e00\u8d77\u4ed8\u3002<\/strong>
\n(y\u00ec q\u01d0 f\u00f9.)<\/em>
\nPay together.<\/p>\n

\u5206\u5f00\u4ed8\u3002<\/strong>
\n(f\u0113n k\u0101i f\u00f9.)<\/em>
\nPay separately.<\/p>\n

Out of cash, or \u73b0\u91d1\u00a0<\/strong>(xi\u00e0n j\u012bn),<\/em> and need to pay via other means? Luckily, there are a lot of other ways you can pay your bill in China<\/a>. Ask your server:<\/p>\n

\u5237\u5361\u53ef\u4ee5\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(shu\u0101 k\u01ce k\u011b y\u01d0 ma?)<\/em>
\nCan I pay by (debit\/credit) card?<\/p>\n

\u5fae\u4fe1\u53ef\u4ee5\u5417\uff1f <\/strong>
\n(w\u0113i x\u00ecn k\u011b y\u01d0 ma?)<\/em>
\nCan I pay by WeChat<\/a>?<\/p>\n

\u652f\u4ed8\u5b9d\u53ef\u4ee5\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(zh\u012b f\u00f9 b\u01ceo k\u011b y\u01d0 ma?)<\/em>
\nCan I pay by AliPay?<\/p>\n

Apple Pay\u53ef\u4ee5\u5417\uff1f<\/strong>
\n(Apple Pay k\u011b y\u01d0 ma?)<\/em>
\nCan I pay by Apple Pay?<\/p>\n

And if there are any leftovers you want to take home, just point to the dish and say:<\/p>\n

\u6253\u5305\u3002<\/strong>
\n(d\u01ce b\u0101o.)
\n<\/em>I’ll pack this up for take-out.<\/p>\n

However, if you’re in Hong Kong, \u6253\u5305<\/strong> takes on different meanings: “packing a dead body” and literally, “hit bread.”<\/a> So when you’re in this region, you’ll have to say \u5e26\u8d70<\/strong>\u00a0(d\u00e0i z\u01d2u)<\/em> or “takeaway,” instead to avoid any confusion!<\/p>\n

Some Notes on Chinese Food Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most of the time when foreigners describe their dining experiences in China as unpleasant, it’s because they haven’t accepted certain differences between Chinese culture and their own.<\/p>\n

Every nation has their own eating culture, and it’s important to keep an open mind. Knowing how to order food in Mandarin is only half the battle.<\/p>\n

Here are some key characteristics of Chinese food culture<\/a>:<\/p>\n