Meaning
菜单 refers to a menu, the list of food and drink items available at a restaurant or eatery. The word literally combines 菜 (dish/vegetable) and 单 (list), creating the meaning of 'a list of dishes.' It's an everyday term used whenever ordering food.
Usage
This is the standard, universal word for menu in Mandarin Chinese. It's used in all types of dining establishments, from casual restaurants to formal settings. When you sit down at a restaurant, you would ask for 菜单 to see what's available. In modern contexts, it can also refer to digital menus or the menu interface in apps and software.
Examples
- 01服务员，请给我菜单。, .Waiter, please give me the menu.
- 02这家餐厅的菜单上有很多素菜。.This restaurant's menu has many vegetarian dishes.
Characters
Measure words
- 份一份菜单
- 本一本菜单
Common collocations
- 看菜单to look at the menu
- 拿菜单to get/take the menu
- 电子菜单digital/electronic menu
- 菜单上on the menu
Origin
The word combines 菜 (dish/cuisine) with 单 (list/sheet), literally meaning 'dish list.' This straightforward compound reflects the practical nature of the object it describes.