蛋白质
dànbáizhì
The English phrase protein is translated into Chinese as 蛋白质 (dànbáizhì).
In a nutritional context, 蛋白质 is the standard term used for the macronutrient protein.
Meaning: class of food (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 蛋 (egg/protein-related), 白 (white/pure) and 质 (substance/matter).
How do you pronounce it?
dànbáizhì
Did you know?
- In some traditional Chinese contexts, the concept of protein was historically grouped under the broader category of 精 (essence), which refers to the vital energy of the body.
- Because the term is so clinical, using 蛋白质 while ordering at a restaurant might make you sound more like a scientist than a hungry customer.
- If you were to describe 'high protein' in a casual setting, you might use 高蛋白 (gāo dàn bái) instead of the full formal term 高蛋白质 (gāo dànbáizhì).
Examples in context
- 这种食物富含蛋白质。This food is rich in protein.
- 蛋白质对身体非常重要。Protein is very important for the body.
- 这种食物含有大量的蛋白质。Zhè zhǒng shíwù hányǒu dàliàng de dànbáizhì.This kind of food contains a large amount of protein.
- 你应该多补充蛋白质。Nǐ yīnggāi duō bǔchōng dànbáizhì.You should supplement more protein.
- 肉类是优质的蛋白质来源。Ròulèi shì yōuzhì de dànbáizhì láiyuán.Meat is a high-quality source of protein.
Example conversation
浩然 is talking to 佳怡 about their fitness diet.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，你最近在吃什么？Hàorán, nǐ zuìjìn zài chī shénme?Haoran, what have you been eating lately?
- 浩然 Haoran我在为了健身补充蛋白质。Wǒ zài wèile jiànshēn bǔchōng dànbáizhì.I am supplementing protein for fitness.
- 佳怡 Jiayi所以你每天都吃很多肉吗？Suǒyǐ nǐ měitiān dōu chī hěnduō ròu ma?So you eat a lot of meat every day?
- 浩然 Haoran是的，蛋白质对肌肉很重要。Shì de, dànbáizhì duì jīròu hěn zhòngyào.Yes, protein is very important for muscles.
