菜单 (càidān) — menu
HSK 4 | noun | a list of dishes available at a restaurant
菜单 (càidān)
菜单 is the menu at a restaurant or eatery — the list of available dishes and their prices. It is an essential word for dining out in China.
Meanings
- noun menu (a list of available dishes in a restaurant)
Example Sentences
请给我一份菜单。 Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn càidān. Please give me a menu.
这家餐厅的菜单上有很多素食选项。 Zhè jiā cāntīng de càidān shàng yǒu hěn duō sùshí xuǎnxiàng. This restaurant's menu has many vegetarian options.
服务员，这道菜在菜单上找不到。 Fúwùyuán, zhè dào cài zài càidān shàng zhǎo bù dào. Waiter, I cannot find this dish on the menu.
他们的菜单每个季节都会更换。 Tāmen de càidān měi gè jìjié dōu huì gēnghuàn. Their menu changes every season.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 点菜单 (diǎn càidān) | order from the menu |
| 菜单上 (càidān shàng) | on the menu |
| 电子菜单 (diànzǐ càidān) | digital menu |
| 更换菜单 (gēnghuàn càidān) | change the menu |
Usage Notes
菜单 specifically refers to a restaurant menu. In digital contexts, 电子菜单 is used for QR-code or tablet-based menus. Do not confuse 菜单 with 清单 (qīngdān), which is a general list or checklist.
Memory Hook
菜 (cài) means dish or vegetable, and 单 (dān) means a slip of paper or list. A "dish list" is exactly what a menu is.