续杯
xùbēi
In Chinese, 'refill' is translated as 续杯 (xùbēi).
You can use it in a question, such as 可以续杯吗？, to ask if a refill is available or permitted.
Meaning: to fill up again (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 续杯 consists of 续, which means to continue or extend and 杯, which means cup.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, 续杯 functions as both a noun (a refill) and a verb (to refill).
How do you pronounce it?
xùbēi
Did you know?
- While 续杯 is the standard term for drinks, if you are at a gas station asking to 'refill' a tank, you would more likely use the word 加油, which literally means 'add oil'.
- In many Chinese tea houses, the staff will 续杯 with hot water automatically without being asked, as it is considered polite to keep a guest's cup from ever becoming empty.
- The word 续 in 续杯 is also the character used in the phrase 续集, which means 'sequel' in movies and books.
Examples in context
- 服务员，请帮我把杯子加满。Waiter, please refill my cup.
- 我想续杯，请给我倒一杯茶。I would like a refill. Please pour me a cup of tea.
- 服务员，给我加多一点酱油好吗？Waiter, can you add a bit more soy sauce, please?
- 老板，再来一杯咖啡，谢谢！Boss, another cup of coffee, please!
- 请问可以续杯吗？Qǐngwèn kěyǐ xùbēi ma?Excuse me, can I refill my cup?
- 咖啡可以免费续杯。Kāfēi kěyǐ miǎnfèi xùbēi.The coffee can be refilled for free.
- 我想续杯茶。Wǒ xiǎng xùbēi chá.I want to refill my tea.
Example conversation
A woman and a man are at a cafe.
- 伟 Wei梓涵，你要续杯吗？Zǐhán, nǐ yào xùbēi ma?Zihan, do you want a refill?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想续杯咖啡。Wǒ xiǎng xùbēi kāfēi.I want to refill my coffee.
- 伟 Wei这里的咖啡可以免费续杯。Zhèlǐ de kāfēi kěyǐ miǎnfèi xùbēi.The coffee here can be refilled for free.
- 梓涵 Zihan太好了，谢谢你。Tài hǎole, xièxiè nǐ.That's great, thank you.
