Understanding "晚餐" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 晚餐
• Pinyin: wǎn cān
• Literal Meaning: "Evening meal"
• Primary Meaning: Dinner (the main evening meal)

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"晚餐" refers to the meal eaten in the evening, typically the last and often the largest meal of the day in Chinese culture. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, similar to the English word "dinner." Unlike "晚饭" (wǎn fàn), which is more casual, "晚餐" can sound slightly more formal or written.

Character Breakdown

• 晚 (wǎn): Means "evening" or "late."
• 餐 (cān): Means "meal" or "to eat."
  Together, they form "evening meal," i.e., dinner.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我们七点吃晚餐。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen qī diǎn chī wǎncān.
   English: We eat dinner at seven o'clock.

2. Chinese: 今天的晚餐很丰盛。
   Pinyin: Jīntiān de wǎncān hěn fēngshèng.
   English: Today's dinner is very lavish.

3. Chinese: 你晚餐想吃什么？
   Pinyin: Nǐ wǎncān xiǎng chī shénme?
   English: What would you like to eat for dinner?

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, dinner ("晚餐") is often a time for family gatherings. Unlike Western cultures where lunch might be the largest meal, Chinese dinners can be quite hearty, with multiple dishes shared communally. It’s also common to invite friends or colleagues out for dinner as a form of social bonding.

Conclusion

"晚餐" (wǎn cān) means "dinner" and is a key term for daily life in Chinese. Remember it combines "晚" (evening) and "餐" (meal), and it’s slightly more formal than "晚饭." Use it to talk about your evening meals or dining plans!