Which one should you use?
While comida china is the standard term, you might hear comida chifa in Peru to specifically refer to Chinese food that has been influenced by Peruvian cuisine. In some parts of Latin America, comida cantonesa is used to describe Chinese food prepared in the Cantonese style.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru, the term comida chifa is used for Chinese food with Peruvian influences. In parts of Latin America, comida cantonesa is used to describe Cantonese-style food.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective china must agree in gender with the noun comida, which is feminine. Additionally, when speaking about Chinese food in a general sense, such as when saying "I like Chinese food", you must use the definite article la before comida.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly capitalize nationalities in Spanish. However, china should be lowercase when used as an adjective.
Did you know?
- The word china in Spanish can refer to an orange, because the fruit is native to Asia.
- In Peru, the word chifa is not just a type of comida china, but the actual name for the restaurants that serve it.
- Because comida china is often associated with fusion, you may find ingredients like potatoes or Peruvian peppers in a chifa dish.
Examples in context
- Jamás comí comida china.I have never eaten Chinese food.This sentence shows how to express that you have never eaten comida china.Tatoeba #5118390 by don_ramon, translation #5118368 by Lindoula
- Me gusta la comida china.I like Chinese food.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for comida china.Tatoeba #1595390 by Shishir, translation #5584727 by CK
- Me encanta la comida china.I love Chinese food.This sentence is useful for expressing a strong liking for comida china.Tatoeba #673003 by Shishir, translation #619713 by ulyssemc1
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are deciding what to order for dinner.
- Lucía¿Quieres pedir comida china hoy?Do you want to order chinese food today?
- MateoSí, me apetece mucho la comida china.Yes, I really feel like having chinese food.
- LucíaPerfecto, buscaré un restaurante cerca de aquí.Perfect, I will look for a restaurant near here.
- MateoGracias, Lucía, eres muy amable.Thanks, Lucía, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries china, comida, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
