荤菜
hūn càiDishes containing meat or animal products, as opposed to vegetarian dishes.
他不吃荤菜，只吃素菜。
He doesn't eat meat dishes; he only eats vegetarian dishes.
In Chinese cuisine, '荤菜' typically refers to dishes with meat, fish, or other animal products, while '素菜' refers to vegetarian dishes.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '荤菜' and '素菜' are often served together to provide a balanced meal, especially in family gatherings or festivals.
⚡Gold Rule
Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian
When dining with vegetarians or in Buddhist settings, it's polite to ask if '荤菜' is acceptable before serving.
📖Word Origin
The term '荤菜' comes from the Chinese character '荤' (hūn), which originally referred to strong-smelling or pungent foods, later specifically meaning meat or animal products.
📝Usage Notes
In Buddhist and vegetarian contexts, '荤菜' is often avoided, and '素菜' (vegetarian dishes) is preferred. The distinction is important in Chinese dining culture.