Chinese word

用餐

Pronunciation

Pinyinyòng cān

Meaning

  • verbhave a meal

Example

我们在餐厅一起用餐。wǒ men zài cān tīng yì qǐ yòng cān

We are having a meal together at the restaurant.

Illustration for 用餐 (have a meal)

More examples

节假日很多人选择外出用餐。jié jià rì hěn duō rén xuǎn zé wài chū yòng cān

During public holidays, many people choose to eat out.

Core concept

Eating is framed as a planned meal in a particular place and time, often with social or ceremonial importance.

Common phrases

  • 在外用餐zài wài yòng cān

    eat out

  • 与家人用餐yǔ jiā rén yòng cān

    dine with family

  • 节假日外出用餐jié jià rì wài chū yòng cān

    eat out on holidays

Similar words

吃饭chī fàn: Having food or a meal in normal everyday situations.
就餐jiù cān: Dining at a restaurant or gathering in a slightly formal style.
用膳yòng shàn: Eating a meal on a formal or ceremonial occasion.
进餐jìn cān: A written, formal way to describe taking a meal.

Definition in Chinese

在特定时间和场所进行进食的动作，侧重于在较为正式或礼貌的场合吃饭。zài tè dìng shí jiān hé cháng suǒ jìn xíng jìn shí de dòng zuò cè zhòng yú zài jiào wéi zhèng shì huò lǐ mào de chǎng hé chī fàn

Word origin

The compound 用 (yòng, "use") + 餐 (cān, "meal") treats a meal as an occasion that people take part in, not merely as the act of putting food in the mouth.

Usage tips

  • In menus, hotel notices, and invitations, 用餐 (yòngcān, "dine") gives the wording a polished public tone suited to organized hospitality.

Other meanings

  • dineverb

Opposites

  • 禁食jìn shífastverb

Related words

  • 用餐时间yòng cān shí jiānmeal timenoun
  • 用餐礼仪yòng cān lǐ yítable mannersnoun
  • 用餐习惯yòng cān xí guàneating habitsnoun

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