Understanding "饿了么" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 饿了么
• Pinyin: È le me
• Literal Meaning: "Hungry now?" or "Are you hungry?"
• Primary Meaning: A popular Chinese food delivery platform (similar to Uber Eats or DoorDash). The name plays on the casual question "Are you hungry?" to market its service.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

• Everyday Use: Originally a colloquial phrase, "饿了么" is now most commonly associated with the food delivery app. In informal speech, it can still be used to ask someone if they're hungry.
• Nuances: The "么" (me) at the end softens the question, making it sound more casual and friendly.

Character Breakdown

• 饿 (è): Means "hungry."
• 了 (le): A particle indicating a change of state (e.g., "now" or "already").
• 么 (me): A question particle used to form yes-no questions, similar to "ma" (吗) but more colloquial.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 你饿了么？
   Pinyin: Nǐ è le me?
   English: Are you hungry?

2. Chinese: 我用饿了么点外卖。
   Pinyin: Wǒ yòng Èleme diǎn wàimài.
   English: I use Ele.me to order takeout.

3. Chinese: 饿了么送餐很快。
   Pinyin: Èleme sòng cān hěn kuài.
   English: Ele.me delivers food very quickly.

Cultural Notes

• Ele.me App: Founded in 2008, it’s one of China’s largest food delivery services, competing with Meituan. The name cleverly turns a casual question into a brand, making it relatable.
• Informal Tone: The use of "么" instead of "吗" gives the phrase a laid-back, conversational vibe, fitting for a service targeting young, busy consumers.

Conclusion

"饿了么" is both a useful phrase for asking "Are you hungry?" and the name of a major food delivery app in China. Remember:
- 饿 (è) = hungry
- 了么 (le me) = casual question marker
Next time you’re in China, try saying, "你饿了么？" or order food via the 饿了么 app!