Japanese word

中華

Pronunciation

Romajichūka

Meaning

  • nounChinese food

Example

家族と中華を食べます。ka zoku to chū ka o ta be ma su

I eat Chinese food with my family.

Illustration for 中華 (Chinese food)

More examples

週末は中華を食べに行きませんか。shū matsu wa chū ka o ta be ni i ki ma se n ka

Would you like to go out for Chinese food this weekend?

Core concept

Centers on China as a cultural and geographic reference, extending to things identified with Chinese culture, including Chinese food.

Common phrases

  • 中華料理chū ka ryō ri

    Chinese food

  • 中華料理店chū ka ryō ri ten

    Chinese restaurant

Similar words

中華料理chūkaryōri: A general term for Chinese cuisine and the dishes associated with it.
中国料理chūgokuryōri: A formal term for cuisine from China and dishes prepared in its culinary traditions.

Definition in Japanese

中国風の料理。chū goku fū no ryō ri

Word origin

The food sense of 中華 (chūka, "Chinese") is a shortened form of 中華料理 (chūka ryōri, "Chinese cuisine"); 中 (chū, "middle") and 華 (ka, "splendor") form an old name for China.

Usage tips

  • When ordering food in Japan, saying 中華 (chūka) usually points to Chinese cuisine rather than to China as a country.

Other meanings

  • Chinanoun

Word lists with this word