Guide: How to Say Starbucks in Chinese

When traveling or living in a foreign country, it’s always helpful to know how to say the names of popular businesses or establishments. Starbucks, being an international coffeehouse chain, is no exception. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “Starbucks” in Chinese, including both formal and informal versions. While regional variations do exist, we will focus on the most commonly used terms. So let’s dive in and uncover how to say Starbucks in Chinese!

Formal Ways to Say Starbucks in Chinese

When referring to Starbucks in a formal setting or situation, such as in business or official documents, it’s best to use the standard translation:

1. 星巴克 (Xīngbākè)

This is the official translation used in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. 星 (Xīng) means “star” and 巴克 (Bākè) is a transliteration of “bucks,” creating the term “Starbucks.”

2. 星巴克咖啡 (Xīngbākè Kāfēi)

If you want to be more specific about the type of establishment, you can add “kāfēi,” meaning “coffee” in Chinese, at the end. This is also an acceptable formal way to refer to Starbucks.

Informal Ways to Say Starbucks in Chinese

When conversing with friends or in casual situations, using a more informal term for Starbucks is common. Here are a few popular informal ways to refer to Starbucks in Chinese:

1. 星爸爸 (Xīng Bàba)

This term translates to “Star Daddy” and is a playful way of referring to Starbucks. It has gained popularity among young Chinese urbanites and social media users.

2. 星巴 (Xīngbā)

This abbreviation is often used in informal settings to refer to Starbucks. It is shorter and easier to say, making it a convenient choice for everyday conversations with friends.

3. 收你的钱咖啡 (Shōu Nǐ De Qián Kāfēi)

Although not a direct translation of “Starbucks,” this informal slang term is commonly used to poke fun at the high prices at Starbucks. It roughly translates to “Coffee That Collects Your Money.” This humorous term has gained popularity on social media and among young people in China.

Examples and Tips

Here are a few examples and additional tips to help you feel more confident using the terms mentioned above:

Example 1:

English: Let’s meet at Starbucks later.

Formal Chinese: 我们晚点在星巴克见。(Wǒmen wǎndiǎn zài xīngbākè jiàn.)

Informal Chinese: 我们晚点在星爸爸见。(Wǒmen wǎndiǎn zài xīng bàba jiàn.)

Example 2:

English: I love going to Starbucks for my morning coffee.

Formal Chinese: 我喜欢早上去星巴克喝咖啡。(Wǒ xǐhuan zǎoshang qù xīngbākè hē kāfēi.)

Informal Chinese: 我喜欢早上去星巴喝咖啡。(Wǒ xǐhuan zǎoshang qù xīngbā hē kāfēi.)

Tips:

• When in doubt, using the formal term (星巴克) is always a safe choice.
• If talking to close friends or younger people, feel free to use the informal terms (星爸爸, 星巴).
• Remember to pronounce the Chinese terms with the correct tones. Using a different tone can change the meaning of the words.
• When asking for directions, it’s often helpful to include the English pronunciation along with the Chinese term to ensure better understanding.

By familiarizing yourself with the formal and informal ways to say Starbucks in Chinese, you’ll be able to confidently communicate and connect with people while enjoying your favorite coffee spot. Whether you opt for the standard translation (星巴克) or embrace the more playful terms (星爸爸), you’ll find that knowing how to say Starbucks in Chinese adds a personal touch to your conversations and cultural experiences.