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荤菜
hūn cài
meat dishes
今天的午餐有荤菜和素菜。
Today's lunch includes meat dishes and vegetarian dishes.
informal
Dishes 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.
Word Breakdown
荤
meat or animal products
root菜
dish or vegetable
root汉英词典