我吃素
wǒ chī sù
The English phrase "I am vegetarian" is expressed in Chinese as 我吃素 (wǒ chī sù).
Use 我吃素 when a host or waiter asks about your dietary restrictions or when ordering food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 我吃素 literally translates to "I eat vegetarian food" (I eat veg).
How does it change in a sentence?
While 我吃素 is the standard way to say you are vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu) is a common alternative meaning "I don't eat meat".
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ chī sù
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, 吃素 (chī sù) can imply a religious practice (such as Buddhism) rather than just a dietary preference.
Did you know?
- In certain traditional contexts, 吃素 can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is mild-mannered or lacks aggression.
- The character 素 (sù) originally referred to 'plain' or 'white' silk, reflecting the idea of a simple and unadorned life.
- In some regions, 吃素 can imply a strict Buddhist diet that excludes the 'five pungent spices', including garlic, onions, chives, leeks and scallions.
Examples in context
- 不，谢谢。我是素食者。No, thank you. I am vegetarian.
- 我选择吃素。I choose to follow a vegetarian diet.
- 我吃素，不吃肉。Wǒ chī sù, bù chī ròu.I am vegetarian, I don't eat meat.
- 因为我吃素，所以点蔬菜即可。Yīnwèi wǒ chī sù, suǒyǐ diǎn shūcài jíkě.Because I am vegetarian, just ordering vegetables is fine.
- 不用麻烦了，我吃素。Bùyòng máfan le, wǒ chī sù.No need to trouble yourself, I am vegetarian.
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Junjie are deciding what to order for dinner.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我们要不要点一份烤鸡？Wǒmen yào bùyào diǎn yí fèn kǎo jī?Shall we order some roast chicken?
- 俊杰 Junjie那不行，我吃素。Nà bùxíng, wǒ chī sù.That won't work, I am vegetarian.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen噢，我忘了！那我们点蔬菜吧。Ō, wǒ wàng le! Nà wǒmen diǎn shūcài ba.Oh, I forgot! Let's order vegetables then.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，谢谢你，俊杰。Hǎo de, xièxie nǐ, Jùnjié.Okay, thank you, Junjie.
