美食
měishí
The English phrase "good food" can be translated into Chinese as 美食 (měishí).
美食 is typically used as a noun to refer to high-quality food, gourmet dishes or culinary delights, rather than just a casual way to say food tastes good.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 美食 is composed of 美 (beautiful/delicious) and 食 (food).
Which one should you use?
While 美食 is a noun meaning 'delicacies' or 'fine food', 好吃 is an adjective used to describe the taste of food as 'delicious'.
How do you pronounce it?
měishí
Did you know?
- The character for 'beautiful' or 'delicious' in 美食, 美, originally depicted a large sheep with a long tail, which was considered the pinnacle of a tasty meal in ancient China.
- When complimenting a chef, instead of just saying the food is 'good', one might say it is 色香味俱全, meaning it has 'color, aroma, and taste' all at once.
- While 美食 refers to the food itself, Chinese culture often uses the phrase 吃货 'eating god' to describe a person who is obsessed with seeking out the best 美食.
Examples in context
- 你做的菜很好吃！The food you cooked is very delicious!
- 这道菜真是美味可口！This dish is truly delicious and appetizing!
- 这是一道味道鲜美的菜。This is a dish with a fresh and delicious taste.
- 这个糕点好吃极了！This pastry is incredibly delicious!
- 这个饺子真好吃，你一定要试试！These dumplings are really delicious, you must try them!
- 这里有很多美食。Zhèlǐ yǒu hěnduō měishí.There is a lot of good food here.
- 我喜欢寻找各种美食。Wǒ xǐhuān xúnzhǎo gè zhǒng měishí.I like searching for all kinds of good food.
- 这座城市以美食闻名。Zhè zuò chéngshì yǐ měishí wénmíng.This city is famous for its good food.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a trip to a new city.
- 浩然 Haoran雨婷，你想去哪里玩？Yǔtíng, nǐ xiǎng qù nǎlǐ wán?Yuting, where do you want to go?
- 雨婷 Yuting我想去那个有美食的城市。Wǒ xiǎng qù nàgè yǒu měishí de chéngshì.I want to go to that city with good food.
- 浩然 Haoran我也喜欢美食，太好了！Wǒ yě xǐhuān měishí, tài hǎole!I also love good food, that's great!
- 雨婷 Yuting我们一起去吧，浩然。Wǒmen yīqǐ qù ba, Hàorán.Let's go together, Haoran.
