cān
meal
In Chinese, '餐' is a noun that basically means 'meal'. It is a universal term for any type of meal and doesn't refer to any specific kind of food. Just like in English, it can be used to indicate breakfast, lunch, or dinner based on the context. For example, '早餐' means 'breakfast', '午餐' means 'lunch', and '晚餐' means 'dinner'.
Zhè shì wǒ de zǎocān.
This is my breakfast.
This phrase is used to indicate what the speaker is having for their morning meal.
Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ?
Where is the restaurant?
This is a question asking for the location of a dining establishment.
Cān chē zhèngzài lái de lù shàng.
The food truck is on its way.
This phrase is used to indicate that a mobile eating establishment is currently en route.
Wǒ yùdìng le wǎncān.
I have reserved dinner.
This phrase is used when someone has made arrangements for an evening meal.
Wǒ xǐhuan zhège wǔcān.
I like this lunch.
This sentence expresses the speaker's enjoyment of a current midday meal.
Cān guǎn de shíwù hěn měiwèi.
The restaurant's food is delicious.
This sentence states that the food served at a specific dining establishment is very good.
Cān jīn zhǐ zài nǎ lǐ?
Where is the napkin?
This sentence is asking about the location of a dining napkin.
Zhège cāntīng hěn guì.
This restaurant is expensive.
This sentence states that a specific dining establishment has high costs.
Cānyǐn yè fāzhǎn xùnsù.
The catering industry is developing rapidly.
This sentence states the fast-paced development of the food service industry.
Wǒ dìng le zìzhùcān.
I booked a buffet.
This sentence is used when someone has made a reservation for a meal in which guests serve themselves.