服務員 / 服务员
fúwùyuán
The English phrase "waiter" is translated into Chinese as 服務員 / 服务员 (fúwùyuán). If unsure, use 服務員 / 服务员. Wiktionary also lists 侍者 (shìzhě).
Meaning: a server in a restaurant or similar (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 服務員 / 服务员 | fúwùyuán | |
| 侍者 | shìzhě | formal |
The term refers to a server in a restaurant or similar establishment. In many casual dining settings in China, people often call out 服務員 / 服务员 to get a server's attention.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 服務員 / 服务员 is composed of 服務 (service) and 員 (member/personnel), meaning service personnel.
Which one should you use?
While 服務員 / 服务员 is a common and generic term for a waiter, 侍者 is a more formal and literary term for a waiter or attendant. 侍者 is specifically used in high-end dining contexts or written descriptions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
服務員 / 服务员 is a common term used in many settings, including formal ones. 侍者 is a more formal term used in upscale establishments. In small local eateries or informal settings, people sometimes playfully refer to a waiter as 老板 (boss).
How do you pronounce it?
fúwùyuán
Did you know?
- If you are in a busy local restaurant in China, calling out 服務員 / 服务员 can sometimes be seen as too formal or even slightly distant. In many casual neighborhood spots, people prefer to get a server's attention by calling them 帥哥 / 帅哥 (handsome guy) or 美女 / 美女 (beautiful girl).
- In some highly traditional or old-fashioned contexts, you might encounter the term 跑堂的 (pǎotángde). This literally refers to someone who 'runs the hall', reflecting the fast-paced movement of servers in ancient tea houses.
- In many modern Chinese tea houses, the person serving you might be called 茶藝師 / 茶艺师, which literally translates to 'tea art master'. This elevates the role from a simple 'waiter' to a skilled practitioner of a traditional art.
Examples in context
- 小姐，请给我们两个菜单。Miss, could you give us two menus, please?
- 老板，给我们上一瓶啤酒。Boss, bring us a bottle of beer, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waiter” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
