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The Two Food Phrases You Should Know in China
The phrase How are you? is so boring, no? And really, who ever answers that truthfully? No, I'm terrible actually, thanks for asking. Instead, try out this common Mandarin Chinese greeting (click on the Play button for audio): Despite what it may sound like to English speakers, this is basically the exact same thing as How are you? in English. The phrase is just a traditional Chinese way of opening a conversation when you see someone. If someone says to you 你吃饭了吗? Nǐ chīfàn le ma? (Have you eaten yet?), you should say 吃了. Chīle. (Yes, I’ve eaten.) or 还没吃. Hái méi chī. (No, I haven’t eaten yet.) In modern day China, you may also be asked other types of specific questions, such as Are you going to work? or Are you going to class? or simply, Where are you going? However, like Have you eaten yet?, these are just standard greetings, and are not intended to pry, or receive anything beyond a brief response. The second phrase you should know, mainly if you do or want to do any sort of business at all in China, is: Literally meaning Dry glass!, 干杯! Gān bēi! is the Mandarin Chinese equivalent of Cheers! (Or, probably more accurately, Bottoms up!) If you attend any type of business banquet or other dining event, you will hear this phrase. As this US Dept of Commerce site notes about business etiquette in China: "Frequent toasts are not unusual." So come prepared! For other general tips on Chinese dining etiquette, including toasts and how to handle Gān bēi!, check out this site. Tags: Chinese, etiquette, food, vocabulary
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