【Learn Chinese】In the Kitchen: Chinese Vocabulary

Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or just looking to expand your Chinese vocabulary, this article is for you. Today, we're going to dive into the world of Chinese vocabulary, specifically focusing on kitchen furniture and tableware. Let's cook up some new words together!

First, let's set the table with some basic Chinese terms for tableware. The word for "table" in Chinese is 桌子 (zhuōzi), and "chair" is 椅子 (yǐzi). When it comes to eating, we need 碗 (wǎn), which means "bowl," and 筷子 (kuàizi), the ubiquitous "chopsticks." If you're feeling formal, you might use a 盘子 (pánzi), or "plate," to serve your dishes.
Now, let's move into the kitchen and learn some vocabulary for kitchen furniture. The "kitchen" is 厨房 (chúfáng), and the "stove" is 灶台 (zàotái). To store your food, you'll need a 冰箱 (bīngxiāng), or "refrigerator," and to keep your dishes clean, a 洗碗机 (xǐ wǎn jī), or "dishwasher," is quite handy.
When preparing food, you'll need various tools. A 刀 (dāo) is a "knife," and a 砧板 (zhēnbǎn) is a "cutting board." To cook, you might use a 锅 (guō), which is a "pot," or a 炒菜锅 (chǎo cài guō), specifically a "frying pan." Don't forget the 铲子 (chǎnzi), which is a "spatula," perfect for flipping those pancakes or stir-frying your vegetables.
For measuring ingredients, you'll need a 量杯 (liàngbēi), or "measuring cup," and a 量勺 (liàngsháo), a "measuring spoon." And to serve your delicious creations, you might use a 托盘 (tōupán), which is a "tray."
Finally, let's not forget about the little things that make dining a pleasure. A 餐巾 (cānjīn), or "napkin," is essential for wiping your mouth, and a 杯子 (bēizi), or "cup," is perfect for washing it all down with a refreshing drink.

Whether you're setting the table for a family meal or preparing a feast for friends, these words will come in handy. So, the next time you find yourself in a Chinese kitchen, you'll be ready to whip up a storm with confidence and style. Happy cooking, and happy learning!