Understanding "野餐" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 野餐
• Pinyin: yě cān
• Literal Meaning: "wild" (野) + "meal" (餐) = "outdoor meal"
• Primary Meaning: A picnic; an outdoor meal where people eat together in a natural setting, such as a park or countryside.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "野餐" refers to the activity of eating outdoors, often as a leisure activity with family or friends. It implies bringing prepared food to a scenic location, like a park, beach, or forest.
• The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both casual and slightly formal contexts. For example, you can say "我们去野餐吧" (Let's go for a picnic) to friends or mention "周末野餐" (weekend picnic) in a plan.

• Unlike the English word "picnic," which can sometimes imply simplicity (e.g., "It's no picnic"), "野餐" does not carry negative connotations.

• Character Breakdown:

• 野 (yě): Means "wild," "open country," or "outdoors."
• 餐 (cān): Means "meal" or "to eat." Together, they literally mean "eating in the wild."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这个周末我们打算去公园野餐。
   Pinyin: Zhège zhōumò wǒmen dǎsuàn qù gōngyuán yěcān.
   English: This weekend, we plan to have a picnic in the park.

2. Chinese: 野餐时别忘了带毯子和食物。
   Pinyin: Yěcān shí bié wàngle dài tǎnzi hé shíwù.
   English: Don’t forget to bring a blanket and food for the picnic.

3. Chinese: 孩子们在野餐时玩得很开心。
   Pinyin: Háizimen zài yěcān shí wán de hěn kāixīn.
   English: The children had a lot of fun during the picnic.

Cultural Notes

• Picnics (野餐) are a popular activity in China, especially during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Families and friends often gather in parks or scenic areas to enjoy food, play games, and relax.
• Common picnic foods include homemade dishes, sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. In recent years, Western-style picnic culture (e.g., charcuterie boards) has also become trendy among young people.
• Public parks in China often have designated picnic areas, and some people even bring portable grills for barbecues.

Conclusion

"野餐" (yě cān) means "picnic" and refers to eating outdoors for leisure. It combines the characters for "wild" (野) and "meal" (餐). Use it to describe casual outdoor meals with friends or family, and remember to pack your favorite foods!