餐巾
cānjīn
The English word "napkin" is translated into Chinese as 餐巾 (cānjīn). Wiktionary also lists 餐巾紙 / 餐巾纸 (cānjīnzhǐ).
Meaning: serviette (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 餐巾 | cānjīn |
| 餐巾紙 / 餐巾纸 | cānjīnzhǐ |
What does it mean word for word?
The word 餐巾 is composed of 餐, meaning meal and 巾, meaning towel or cloth.
Which one should you use?
餐巾 typically refers to a reusable cloth napkin, whereas 餐巾紙 or 餐巾纸 refers specifically to a disposable paper napkin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the term 紙巾 is commonly used for napkin. Regarding written forms, 餐巾紙 is the traditional form used in Taiwan and Hong Kong, while 餐巾纸 uses the simplified character 纸 used in Mainland China.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting napkins, use the measure word 張 for flat objects, such as in the phrase 一張餐巾紙 (one napkin).
How do you pronounce it?
cānjīn
Did you know?
- The character 巾 'towel' is a pictograph that originally depicted a piece of cloth hanging from a hook or a bar.
- In traditional Chinese banquet culture, the placement and folding of the cloth 餐巾 can signal the formality of the event and the social status of the guests.
- In many casual Chinese dining settings, 餐巾紙 is used interchangeably with 面巾紙, which literally translates to 'face towel paper'.
Examples in context
- 請給我一張餐巾紙好嗎？May I have a napkin, please?This sentence is useful for requesting a napkin using 餐巾.Tatoeba #850354 by Martha, translation #36286 by CK
- 请递给我一张餐巾纸。Can you please pass me a napkin?
- 我包里总是带着纸巾。I always carry tissue in my bag.
- 請幫我拿一下餐巾。Qǐng bāng wǒ ná yīxià cānjīn.Please grab a napkin for me.
Example conversation
Two people are eating at a restaurant.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，你有餐巾吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ yǒu cānjīn ma?Zhiqiang, do you have a napkin?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我有，给你一张。Wǒ yǒu, gěi nǐ yī zhāng.I do, here is one for you.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你。Xièxiè nǐ.Thank you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang不客气，佳怡。Bù kèqì, Jiāyí.You're welcome, Jiayi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “napkin” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
