Understanding "咖啡厅" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 咖啡厅
• Pinyin: kā fēi tīng
• Literal Meaning: "coffee hall" or "coffee room"
• Primary Meaning: A café or coffee shop; a place where people drink coffee, socialize, or work.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"咖啡厅" (kā fēi tīng) refers to a café or coffee shop, similar to Western-style coffeehouses. It is a common term used in urban areas of China, where such establishments are popular for socializing, working, or relaxing. Unlike "咖啡馆" (kā fēi guǎn), which can sometimes imply a more traditional or smaller café, "咖啡厅" often suggests a slightly more modern or spacious setting.

Character Breakdown

• 咖啡 (kā fēi): Means "coffee."
• 咖 (kā): Part of the transliteration for "coffee."
• 啡 (fēi): Another part of the transliteration for "coffee."
• 厅 (tīng): Means "hall" or "room," often referring to a public or semi-public space.

Together, the term literally means a "coffee hall," emphasizing the social or communal aspect of the space.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我们明天在咖啡厅见面吧。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen míngtiān zài kāfēitīng jiànmiàn ba.
   English: Let’s meet at the café tomorrow.

2. Chinese: 这家咖啡厅的拿铁很好喝。
   Pinyin: Zhè jiā kāfēitīng de nǎtiě hěn hǎohē.
   English: The latte at this café is very delicious.

3. Chinese: 他喜欢在咖啡厅里工作。
   Pinyin: Tā xǐhuān zài kāfēitīng lǐ gōngzuò.
   English: He likes to work in the coffee shop.

Cultural Notes

In China, "咖啡厅" (kā fēi tīng) is not just a place to drink coffee but also a popular spot for meetings, studying, or casual hangouts. Many coffee shops in China, like Starbucks or local chains, are designed with comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, catering to students and professionals. The rise of café culture in China reflects the influence of Western lifestyles, especially among younger generations.

Conclusion

"咖啡厅" (kā fēi tīng) is a versatile term for a café or coffee shop in Chinese. Whether you’re meeting friends, enjoying a latte, or getting work done, this word will help you navigate China’s growing café culture. Remember the characters 咖啡 (coffee) + 厅 (hall), and you’ll easily recognize these cozy spots!