Why does Chinese always come back to “eating”? In this episode, we look at one of the most interesting words in Chinese - “chi” (吃) - and how it means much more than just food.
SBS Simple Mandarin helps you understand everyday Chinese in Australia, speak Mandarin with more confidence, and better connect with Chinese culture. Click to view all episodes.
Why is the word “eat” used so often in Chinese?
From “eating meals” to “enduring hardship,” “suffering a loss,” or even being “unable to handle something,” the word “chi” (吃) in Chinese goes far beyond its literal meaning.
In this episode, we start with a simple everyday question - “Have you eaten?” - to explore the cultural logic behind the Chinese language: why eating is used to express care, and food is often used to convey wishes and blessings.
View the original Chinese version for more:
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