To take food into the mouth, chew, and swallow. To eat, absorb, take in, or endure something (losses, hardship, surprise).
吃
The universal life-giving action of eating and nourishing yourself.
In China, 吃 is the center of the universe. Asking someone if they have eaten is expressing deep care, not curiosity about digestion.
Common Usage & Traps
- 吃饭 — eat a meal
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吃一个工作做工作吃 is strictly for food, drink, and cultural idioms.
Why does the old cook say "多吃一点儿" (eat a bit more) as a greeting?
Encouraging guests to eat generously is the classic Chinese expression of warmth and grandmotherly hospitality.
Appears in Stories 14 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
In this funny HSK 2 story, a boy asks his father for money every day. When his father tries to teach him a lesson, the boy's clever reply will make you laugh.
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钱学中喜欢 吃 ,经常找爸妈要钱买东西 吃 。
Meet Dr. Mi, a doctor and teacher at Sichuan University. This simple HSK 1 story shows his daily routine from morning to night, helping you learn time expressions and everyday activities.
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休息一下儿,晚上七点,他 吃 晚饭。
In this warm dialogue, a parent introduces their family at a restaurant. A teacher gently corrects common mistakes about family words and names, making it perfect for HSK 2 learners.
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两位老人都喜欢在家 吃 。
Meet Gao Youpeng, a friendly Beijing coworker who welcomes the narrator with local dishes and a simple language-exchange plan. This warm HSK 2 story is perfect for first readings about work and friendship.
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他今天从上海回来,晚上就和我去了一个饭馆儿 吃 北京菜。
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这是我第一次在中国 吃 中国菜,很好吃,我很喜欢。
This heartwarming story reveals the quiet devotion of a father. As you read, notice the repeated actions and how a simple cup of tea becomes meaningful.
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老先生不喝茶,也不 吃 东西。
Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.
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老先生很高兴,对大中说:“不客气,多 吃 一点儿。”
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大中想 吃 晚饭。
Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.
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他说我不 吃 这个。
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我问他您刚才饭桌上怎么不 吃 东西。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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为什么中国消费者这么“害怕” 吃 方便面呢?
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看一下“人体所需营养”目录,就明白一个人最好每天 吃 10到30种以上的食物,这样才能得到各种各样的营养。
Enjoy this simple story about a patient and a mysterious apple. It shows how a small act of kindness can make someone feel at home, and you'll learn key words for feelings and daily life.
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家人都不在,要多 吃 水果。”
This simple story introduces you to a family and what each member likes to do. Learn helpful words for food and daily activities as you read about Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, and the kids.
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爷爷 吃 面包,奶奶喝牛奶。
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爸爸喝热茶妈妈 吃 冷菜。
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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胡之适接过饼干,微笑着拿起一个便 吃 ,脸上现出近几年来很少见的欢愉。
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他的一个朋友拿了一块饼干送到他的病房,跟他开玩笑:“我给你 吃 一样东西。
Welcome! This short poem helps you practice the months, weekdays, and mealtimes in Chinese. Read it aloud and notice the rhythm. You already know many of these words!
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早上 吃 早饭,上午喝早茶,中午 吃 午饭。
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下午下午茶,晚上 吃 晚饭。
Ever noticed how similar Chinese words can be? This rhyme plays with place names and homophones, from schools to hotels, even throwing in Samsung's origin. A lighthearted way to boost your word power.
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书店有好书,饭店 吃 和住,酒店没有酒。
Step through a full day—from morning routines to bedtime—and pick up practical phrases for telling time and talking about your own schedule with a typical Chinese rhyme.
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早上六点半,起床 吃 早饭。
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上午四小时,中午 吃 中饭。
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