Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “cheese” in Mandarin! Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious about different languages, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express this popular dairy product in Mandarin Chinese. We’ll also cover any regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Cheese” in Mandarin
If you’re looking for a formal or standard way to say “cheese” in Mandarin Chinese, you can use the following phrases:
1. 干酪 (gān lào)
This is the most common and formal term for “cheese” in Mandarin. It can be used in any situation and is widely understood throughout the Mandarin-speaking world.
Example:
我喜欢吃干酪。 (Wǒ xǐhuan chī gān lào.)
I like to eat cheese.
2. 起司 (qǐ sī)
This term is borrowed from the English word “cheese” and is commonly used in formal contexts as well. It has a slightly more modern and westernized feel to it.
Example:
请给我一块起司。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yí kuài qǐ sī.)
Please give me a piece of cheese.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Cheese” in Mandarin
For more casual or informal situations, you can use these expressions to say “cheese” in Mandarin:
1. 奶酪 (nǎi lào)
This term, also meaning “cheese,” is often used in everyday conversations among native Mandarin speakers.
Example:
我们今晚吃披萨，上面有奶酪。 (Wǒmen jīnwǎn chī pīsà, shàngmiàn yǒu nǎi lào.)
We’re having pizza tonight, and it has cheese on top.
2. 起士 (qǐ shì)
This informal term is similar to “起司” (qǐ sī) mentioned earlier but is often used by younger generations or in casual settings.
Example:
这个三明治里面有好多起士！ (Zhège sānmíngzhì lǐmiàn yǒu hǎoduō qǐ shì!)
This sandwich has a lot of cheese inside!
3. Additional Tips and Regional Variations
The above phrases will be understood throughout most Mandarin-speaking regions, but it’s worth noting that regional variations exist. Here are a few examples:
1. 古早味干酪 (gǔ zǎo wèi gān lào)
This term, meaning “ancient-style cheese,” is used in Taiwan. It emphasizes cheese made using traditional methods.
Example:
今天买了一块古早味干酪，很好吃！ (Jīntiān mǎi le yī kuài gǔ zǎo wèi gān lào, hěn hǎo chī!)
I bought a piece of ancient-style cheese today, and it tastes great!
2. 芝士 (zhī shì)
In Hong Kong and some southern regions of China, the term “芝士” (zhī shì) is commonly used. It is derived from the English word “cheese” as well.
Example:
这个蛋糕外面铺满了芝士。 (Zhège dàngāo wàimiàn pū mǎn le zhī shì.)
This cake is covered with cheese on the outside.
Conclusion
Now you know various ways to say “cheese” in Mandarin Chinese. You can use the formal phrases “干酪” (gān lào) or “起司” (qǐ sī) in most situations, while “奶酪” (nǎi lào) or “起士” (qǐ shì) are suitable for more informal conversations. Remember that regional variations such as “古早味干酪” (gǔ zǎo wèi gān lào) or “芝士” (zhī shì) exist, so use those when appropriate. Enjoy practicing these phrases, whether you’re ordering a pizza or talking about cheese with Mandarin-speaking friends!
