If you’re a fan of kebabs and find yourself in a Chinese-speaking country or interacting with Chinese speakers, it’s useful to know how to say kebab in Chinese. In this guide, we’ll provide you with formal and informal ways to say kebab in Chinese, along with some tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Kebab in Chinese
1. Shawarma (沙威玛) – Kebabs are often referred to as “shawarma” in formal Chinese. Shawarma is a popular term used in many Chinese cities.
Example: 昨天我在街上吃了一份沙威玛。(Zuótiān wǒ zài jiēshàng chīle yī fèn shāwēimǎ.) – Yesterday, I had a shawarma on the street.
2. 烤肉串 (Kǎo Ròu Chuàn) – Another formal way to say kebab in Chinese is “烤肉串.” The term literally translates to “roasted meat skewer.”
Example: 你喜欢吃烤肉串吗？(Nǐ xǐhuān chī kǎoròuchuàn ma?) – Do you like eating kebabs?
Informal Ways to Say Kebab in Chinese
1. 烤串 (Kǎo Chuàn) – In informal settings, Chinese locals often use the term “烤串” to refer to kebabs. It is a colloquial and widely understood term.
Example: 咱们去街边摊吃烤串如何？(Zánmen qù jiēbiān tān chī kǎochuàn rúhé?) – How about we go to a street stall and eat kebabs?
2. 羊肉串 (Yáng Ròu Chuàn) – Another informal term used for kebab is “羊肉串.” This term specifically refers to lamb or mutton skewers.
Example: 昨晚和朋友一起吃了些羊肉串。(Zuówǎn hé péngyǒu yīqǐ chīle xiē yángròuchuàn.) – Last night, I had some lamb skewers with friends.
Regional Variations
Chinese language has regional variations. Here are some regional variations for saying kebab:
1. Northern China
In the northern regions of China, kebabs are often called “烤肉儿” (Kǎo Ròu Er), which means “roasted meat.” This term is commonly used in Beijing and other northern cities.
Example: 北京的烤肉儿味道特别好吃！(Běijīng de kǎoròu er wèidào tèbié hǎochī!) – The kebabs in Beijing taste especially delicious!
2. Xinjiang Region
In the Xinjiang region, kebabs are known as “肉串儿” (Ròu Chuàn Er). Xinjiang is famous for its delicious lamb skewers.
Example: 我们在新疆尝了最正宗的肉串儿。(Wǒmen zài Xīnjiāng chángle zuì zhèngzōng de ròuchuànr.) – We tasted the most authentic kebabs in Xinjiang.
Tips for Ordering Kebabs in Chinese
When ordering kebabs in Chinese, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use polite language: In formal settings, it’s important to use polite language when ordering. Say “请给我一份烤肉串” (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn kǎoròuchuàn) which means “Please give me a kebab.”
- If you want a variety of kebabs, you can say “请给我几种口味的烤肉串” (Qǐng gěi wǒ jǐ zhǒng kǒuwèi de kǎoròuchuàn) which means “Please give me a few different flavors of kebabs.”
- If you have dietary restrictions, you can mention them by saying “我不能吃羊肉，有没有其他肉的烤串?” (Wǒ bùnéng chī yángròu, yǒu méiyǒu qítā ròu de kǎochuàn?) which means “I can’t eat lamb. Do you have any other meat kebabs?”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say kebab in Chinese. Now you can confidently order your favorite kebabs and engage with locals in Chinese-speaking countries. Whether it’s for a formal or informal setting, you’re well-prepared to navigate a culinary adventure. Enjoy your kebab and happy language learning!
