Understanding "外卖" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 外卖
• Pinyin: wài mài
• Literal Meaning: "outside" (外) + "sell" (卖) = "to sell outside"
• Primary Meaning: Takeout or food delivery (ordering prepared meals from restaurants to be eaten elsewhere).

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "外卖" refers to the service of ordering food from a restaurant or platform (like Meituan or Ele.me) and having it delivered to your home, office, or another location.
• It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in urban areas where food delivery apps are popular.

• The term can also refer to the food itself (e.g., "点外卖" means "to order takeout").

• Character Breakdown:

• 外 (wài): "outside" or "external."
• 卖 (mài): "to sell" or "sale."
  Together, they imply "selling food for consumption outside the restaurant."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我今晚不想做饭，打算点外卖。
   Pinyin: Wǒ jīn wǎn bù xiǎng zuò fàn, dǎ suàn diǎn wài mài.
   English: I don’t feel like cooking tonight; I plan to order takeout.

2. Chinese: 这家餐厅的外卖速度很快。
   Pinyin: Zhè jiā cān tīng de wài mài sù dù hěn kuài.
   English: This restaurant’s food delivery is very fast.

3. Chinese: 外卖小哥把餐送到了我家门口。
   Pinyin: Wài mài xiǎo gē bǎ cān sòng dào le wǒ jiā mén kǒu.
   English: The delivery guy brought the food to my doorstep.

Cultural Notes

• Food delivery is a huge industry in China, driven by apps like Meituan and Ele.me, which offer quick service and a vast selection of restaurants.
• "外卖小哥" (wài mài xiǎo gē, "delivery brother") is a common term for food delivery workers, reflecting their role in daily life.
• During holidays or bad weather, delivery times may slow down due to high demand.

Conclusion

"外卖" (wài mài) is an essential word for anyone living in or visiting China, as food delivery is a convenient and popular way to eat. Remember, it refers to both the service and the food itself!