Learning common vocabulary used in daily life is essential for learning Chinese. Let's expand your vocabulary with a few words we encounter in the kitchen or at restaurants every day!

In Chinese, tableware is known as "餐具" (cān jù), where "餐" (cān) means "meal", and "具" (jù) means "tools."

餐具

cān jù

tableware

01. Chopsticks

筷子

kuài zi

chopsticks

Chopsticks, or 筷子 (kuài zi), stand as a significant and symbolic element in Chinese dining culture. Chinese chopsticks reflect the country's rich history and diverse regional influences, often showcasing different patterns, colors, and craftsmanship.

Even though chopsticks are among the first tableware items you'll encounter in China, they are far from the only utensils found in the kitchen and dining room!

02. Spoon

勺子

sháo zi

spoon

Spoons are used by Chinese people for soups, congee, soft dishes that easily break (such as tofu), liquid desserts, and more. You can also use a spoon together with chopsticks to eat certain delicate dishes like

xiaolongbao

(小笼包 xiǎo lóng bāo).

Keep in mind that Chinese spoons might be slightly different from Western "soup" spoons – they are often ceramic and have short, thick handles and higher sides.

03. Knife

刀

dāo

knife

In Chinese tradition, the knife belongs in the kitchen. The cook uses it to cut all the ingredients into bite-size pieces. That way, when the food is served, a knife won't be needed at the table. This method also helps save a lot of fuel while cooking, as smaller pieces cook more quickly.

Most Western restaurants typically provide a "fork + knife" set, but if you need a knife, you can say:

服务员，可以给我一把刀吗?

fú wù yuán, kě yǐ gěi wǒ yī bǎ dāo ma?

Waiter, can you give me a knife?

(lit. "waiter-can-give-me-one-knife-ma?")

In this sentence, the modal verb 可以 (kě yǐ) – "can" adds politeness to the request. Feel free to substitute "knife" with any other item you may require.

04. Fork

叉子

chā zi

fork

A fork is a primary item in the West, but it's not very common in China. However, you can always try asking for it if you can't handle chopsticks (if it's a small restaurant and they don't have forks, they can at least give you a spoon). If you’re at a Western-style restaurant, or a place that serves dishes you need to cut (e.g. big chunks of meat), the dishes will be served with a knife and fork.

05. Plate

盘子

pán zi

plate

A 盘子 (pán zi), or plate, is commonly used to serve main courses and appetizers. In Chinese dining culture, 盘子 also holds a symbolic significance, representing the abundance of shared meals during family gatherings and social events.

06. Bowl

碗

wǎn

bowl

Typically made from materials like ceramic, porcelain, or plastic, bowls come in various sizes to accommodate different types of dishes. In China, a 碗 (wǎn) is often used for serving rice, noodles, soups, and other delights.

07. Cup/Glass

杯子

bēi zi

cup; glass

The most common item for drinks and beverages is, of course, a cup or glass.

There are various types of 杯子 (bēi zi), each designed for specific beverages or occasions. Here are some common types:

茶杯 (chá bēi) • tea cup

Typically smaller in size, ideal for enjoying various types of tea.

咖啡杯 (kā fēi bēi) • coffee cup

Often larger than tea cups, suitable for serving coffee.

水杯 (shuǐ bēi) • water cup

A cup for serving water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

啤酒杯 (pí jiǔ bēi) • beer mug

Sturdy and often larger in size, designed for serving beer.

高脚杯 (gāo jiǎo bēi) • goblet

A tall-stemmed cup, often used for serving wine or champagne.

 

Source: That's Mandarin

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