Meanings of 主食
By ear
Play it, then pick what 主食 means.
About 主食
Podcast: 主食
Podcast: 主食
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 主食
米饭 (mǐfàn) vs 面条 (miàntiáo) — choose 主食 when referring to the general category of staple foods, rather than a specific type like rice or noodles.
This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings when discussing meals. A common mistake is to confuse it with side dishes (配菜), so ensure you understand that 主食 specifically refers to the main part of the meal.
Although not specifically listed in HSK levels, 主食 is useful for HSK 2 and 3 learners as it relates to daily life and food vocabulary. Focus on using it in context with phrases like '我吃主食' (I eat staple food).
A frequent mistake is using 主食 to refer to any food, such as saying '水果是我的主食' (Fruits are my staple), which is incorrect. Instead, say '米饭是我的主食' (Rice is my staple).
Pronunciation of 主食
Drill the tone of 主食, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 主食 to you
Let me explain 主食 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 主食 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 主食?
Learning Lab
Knowing 主食 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say main food in Chinese
“main food” in Chinese is主食
主食 (zhǔshí) refers to the main food or staple in a meal, typically consisting of rice, noodles, or bread. It contrasts with side dishes and is essential in providing carbohydrates for energy, forming the foundation of many Chinese meals.
When to use 主食
This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings when discussing meals. A common mistake is to confuse it with side dishes (配菜), so ensure you understand that 主食 specifically refers to the main part of the meal.
主食 or something close to it
米饭 (mǐfàn) vs 面条 (miàntiáo) — choose 主食 when referring to the general category of staple foods, rather than a specific type like rice or noodles.
What learners get wrong
A frequent mistake is using 主食 to refer to any food, such as saying '水果是我的主食' (Fruits are my staple), which is incorrect. Instead, say '米饭是我的主食' (Rice is my staple).
Write 主食
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 主食 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 主食?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 主食
Common examples of 主食 include rice (米饭), noodles (面条), and bread (面包).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 主食?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.