菜单 — meaning in English: menu

càidān · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for menu

完成

wánchéng

计数

jìshù

菜单

càidān

观察

guānchá

救援

jiùyuán

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 菜单 (càidān) in restaurants when ordering food or discussing meal options. It's a common sight at dining establishments, from casual eateries to fine dining, where waitstaff present the menu to guests for their selection.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for menu is 目录 (mùlù), which more generally means 'catalog' or 'directory'. While 菜单 specifically refers to food options, 目录 can apply to any listing, making it less precise in a dining context.

Culture

The word 菜单 (càidān) combines ‘菜’ (cài), meaning 'dish' or 'vegetable', and ‘单’ (dān), meaning 'list', reflecting its purpose as a list of dishes available. Interestingly, menus in traditional Chinese restaurants often include a diverse array of regional dishes, showcasing the rich culinary tapestry of China, which can be quite an experience for first-time visitors.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 菜单 in Mandarin?

You pronounce 菜单 as càidān. The first syllable 'cài' has a falling tone, while 'dān' has a level tone.

Q.What is the difference between 菜单 and 价格表?

菜单 refers specifically to a menu, while 价格表 (jiàgé biǎo) means 'price list'. The former is about food options, whereas the latter lists prices for goods or services.

Q.Can I use 菜单 in a formal context?

Yes, 菜单 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for conversations with friends or in professional dining situations.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000