Meanings of 零食
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Podcast: 零食
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AI Study Notes for 零食
小吃 (xiǎochī) - use 零食 (língshí) for snacks that are more casual or convenience-oriented, while 小吃 (xiǎochī) often refers to more substantial or traditional snacks, typically served in a meal context.
Be mindful that 零食 is generally informal, suitable for everyday conversation. A common mistake is confusing it with 食物 (shí wù), which means 'food' in a broader sense. Remember to use it in contexts where you specifically refer to snacks.
As a Level 5 word, 零食 connects to other vocabulary related to food and eating habits. Focus on using it in sentences about daily routines or sharing preferences, enhancing your ability to talk about meals and snacks.
Learners often confuse 零食 with 食物, mistakenly using it to refer to all types of food. For example, saying '我吃零食' to mean 'I eat food' is incorrect; it should be used specifically for snacks.
Pronunciation of 零食
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Jason Explains 零食 to You
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Component Characters
How to say between-meal nibbles in Chinese
“between-meal nibbles” in Chinese is零食
零食 (líng shí) refers to snacks or light foods typically consumed between meals. It encompasses a wide variety of items, from fruits and nuts to packaged chips and candies, often enjoyed for their convenience and taste rather than nutritional value.
When to use 零食
Be mindful that 零食 is generally informal, suitable for everyday conversation. A common mistake is confusing it with 食物 (shí wù), which means 'food' in a broader sense. Remember to use it in contexts where you specifically refer to snacks.
零食 or something close to it
小吃 (xiǎochī) - use 零食 (língshí) for snacks that are more casual or convenience-oriented, while 小吃 (xiǎochī) often refers to more substantial or traditional snacks, typically served in a meal context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 零食 with 食物, mistakenly using it to refer to all types of food. For example, saying '我吃零食' to mean 'I eat food' is incorrect; it should be used specifically for snacks.
Write 零食
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Practice writing 零食 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 零食
零食 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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不要把薯片和巧克力当____来吃，要吃些芹菜和胡萝卜。
Instead of snacking on crisps and chocolate, nibble on celery or carrot.
Example Sentences for 零食 (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 零食
No, 零食 specifically refers to snacks eaten between meals, not full meals.
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