零食
língshí
The English phrase "snacks" is translated into Chinese as 零食 (língshí).
零食 refers to small portions of food eaten between regular meals.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 零食 is composed of 零 (meaning zero, small or fragmented) and 食 (meaning food or to eat).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, the term used for snacks is 零食. In Taiwan, locals often use the term 點心 to refer to snacks, though this term also translates to dim sum. Additionally, the term 小吃 specifically refers to traditional Chinese snacks or street food.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of eating snacks, use the verb 吃 before 零食.
How do you pronounce it?
língshí
Did you know?
- The word 零 in 零食 also describes the 'small change' or coins left over from a larger sum of money. This links the idea of fragmented currency to fragmented portions of food.
- In a formal setting, referring to snacks as 點心 sounds more elegant than using the casual 零食.
- The word 食 in 零食 is a more formal or ancient way to say 'food', which is why it appears in many classical culinary terms.
Examples in context
- 湯姆帶了一些零食。Tom brought some snacks.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 零食 with the verb to bring.Tatoeba #13549619 by LeviHighway, translation #7735511 by CK
- 我以前從不吃零食。I never used to eat snacks.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 零食 in a negative past habit.Tatoeba #13549622 by LeviHighway, translation #5189342 by CK
- 雅尼買了些零食給我們。Yanni got us some snacks.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 零食 when someone buys them for others.Tatoeba #13549630 by LeviHighway, translation #9265502 by Amastan
- 我最喜欢吃零食，尤其是鱼肉干。I love eating snacks, especially dried fish.
- 明天我们一起去尝尝当地的小吃吧！Let's go try some local snacks together tomorrow!
- 我在快餐店买了一些薯条和汉堡包当零食。I bought some fries and hamburgers as snacks at the fast-food restaurant.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are relaxing in the living room.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你想吃点零食吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ xiǎng chī diǎn língshí ma?Xiaowen, do you want to eat some snacks?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好啊，我也饿了。Hǎo a, wǒ yě è le.Sure, I'm hungry too.
- 伟 Wei这里有很多好吃的零食。Zhèlǐ yǒu hěnduō hǎochī de língshí.There are many delicious snacks here.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen太好了，谢谢你，伟。Tài hǎole, xièxiè nǐ, Wěi.Great, thank you, Wei.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
