午餐 — meaning in English: lunch

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

Guess the translation for lunch

青春

qīngchūn

娱乐

yúlè

海港

hǎigǎng

午餐

wǔcān

景观

jǐngguān

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 午餐 (wǔcān) during midday meals, whether at home, in restaurants, or at work. It's a casual term that fits perfectly in conversations among friends discussing where to eat or in work meetings when planning lunch breaks.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 午餐 is 饭 (fàn), which simply means 'rice' or 'meal.' While 饭 can refer to any meal, 午餐 specifically denotes the midday meal, making it more precise when discussing lunch plans.

Culture

The term 午餐 (wǔcān) consists of two characters: '午' (wǔ) meaning 'noon' and '餐' (cān) meaning 'meal.' This word reflects the importance of lunch in Chinese culture, where it's not just a meal but often a social occasion. In many regions, it's also common to take a break from work to enjoy a leisurely lunch with colleagues, promoting bonding and teamwork.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 午餐?

The correct pronunciation of 午餐 is 'wǔcān.' It's important to note the tone; 'wǔ' is pronounced with a rising tone, while 'cān' has a flat tone.

Q.Can I use 午餐 in both formal and informal settings?

Yes, 午餐 is a neutral term that works well in both formal and informal settings, making it versatile for various conversations about lunch.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word 午餐?

A common mistake is using 午餐 to refer to dinner; however, it's specifically for lunch. Make sure to use 晚餐 (wǎncān) for dinner instead.

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