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March 24, 2026
早餐()zǎocān(zao3can1)
早餐 (zǎo cān) refers to breakfast, the first meal of the day, typically consumed in the morning. It is an important meal in Chinese culture, often featuring a variety of dishes that can range from congee to dumplings, reflecting regional culinary diversity.
Frequency#2027DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In many regions of China, breakfast can include diverse dishes such as steamed buns, rice rolls, and soybean milk, showcasing the regional flavors and preferences, which can be quite different from Western-style breakfasts.
Memory Tip
Think of '早' (zǎo), which means 'early' and resembles the sun rising, and '餐' (cān), which sounds like 'sahn'—imagine a sun rising over a breakfast table. Together, they create the image of enjoying a meal early in the day.
Meanings of 早餐
zǎocān(zao3can1)
1breakfast
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About 早餐
早餐Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
份Measure Word
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 早餐
Podcast: 早餐
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AI Study Notes for 早餐
Quick Contrast
早饭 (zǎofàn) - used more colloquially, while 早餐 (zǎocān) may imply a more formal or traditional breakfast context.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '早' (zǎo), which means 'early' and resembles the sun rising, and '餐' (cān), which sounds like 'sahn'—imagine a sun rising over a breakfast table. Together, they create the image of enjoying a meal early in the day.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when saying '早餐' (zǎo cān), as incorrect tones can change meaning. It is mostly used in informal contexts when referring to breakfast, but can also appear in menus or discussions about daily routines.
HSK Study Tips
While '早餐' is not an HSK word, it connects well with other food-related vocabulary. Focus on remembering the tones, as they are crucial for correct pronunciation and understanding.
Cultural Note
In many regions of China, breakfast can include diverse dishes such as steamed buns, rice rolls, and soybean milk, showcasing the regional flavors and preferences, which can be quite different from Western-style breakfasts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '早餐' with '午餐' (wǔ cān), which means lunch. Ensure you remember '早' for morning and '午' for noon to avoid mix-ups.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 早餐
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Cultural Notes for 早餐
🏮Cultural insight
In many regions of China, breakfast can include diverse dishes such as steamed buns, rice rolls, and soybean milk, showcasing the regional flavors and preferences, which can be quite different from Western-style breakfasts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 早餐
Common dishes include congee, dumplings, steamed buns, and various types of noodles.
Not necessarily; many people buy breakfast from street vendors or small shops.
It's primarily used informally, but can appear in formal menus or discussions about meal planning.
