菜肴

cài yáo
noun★Intermediate— dish
general

A prepared food item, typically served as part of a meal.

我们点了一桌丰盛的菜肴。

We ordered a table full of delicious dishes.

💡

The term refers to any food prepared and served, ranging from simple home-cooked meals to elaborate restaurant dishes.

Collocations

丰盛的菜肴abundant dishes精致的菜肴delicate dishes特色菜肴signature dishes

Related Phrases

下酒菜phrase
appetizers or dishes served with alcohol
家常菜phrase
home-cooked dishes

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

'菜肴' is often used in formal or restaurant settings. For everyday home cooking, '菜' or '菜品' might be more common.

📖Word Origin

The term combines '菜' (cài, meaning 'vegetables' or 'dishes') and '肴' (yáo, originally referring to meat dishes). Together, they describe a wide range of prepared foods.

📝Usage Notes

While '菜' can refer to vegetables or dishes, '菜肴' specifically emphasizes the prepared and served aspect of food, making it more appropriate for describing restaurant offerings or formal meals.

Word Breakdown

菜
vegetables or dishes
root
+
肴
meat dishes (originally)
root
汉英词典