Grab a bite
Meaning: Casual slang for getting a quick, informal meal, often on the go.
'Grab a bite' is one of the most common American food expressions. It implies a quick, informal meal — not a fancy sit-down dinner. 'Let's grab a bite' is a standard way to suggest eating together casually. It can also be used solo: 'I need to grab a bite before the meeting.'
Examples
- Want to grab a bite before the movie? 看电影之前先随便吃点东西吧?¿Quieres picar algo antes de la peli?映画の前にさっと何か食べない?영화 전에 뭐 좀 먹으러 갈래?
- I only have 30 minutes — let's grab a bite somewhere quick. 我只有30分钟——找个快的地方随便吃点吧。Solo tengo 30 minutos — vamos a picar algo rápido a algún sitio.30分しかないから、どこか手早く食べられるところに行こう。30분밖에 없으니까 어디 빨리 가서 간단히 먹자.
- We grabbed a bite at the deli after the meeting. 会后我们在熟食店随便吃了点。Picamos algo en la charcutería después de la reunión.会議の後、デリで軽く食べた。회의 끝나고 델리에서 가볍게 먹었어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: casual dining, quick meals, social invitations
Tone: casual, friendly
✓ Do Say
- Want to grab a bite?要不要随便吃点?¿Quieres picar algo?さっと何か食べない?뭐 좀 먹으러 갈래?
- I need to grab a bite — I'm starving.我得赶紧吃点东西——快饿死了。Necesito comer algo — me muero de hambre.何か食べなきゃ——お腹ぺこぺこだよ。뭐 좀 먹어야겠어——배고파 죽겠어.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use for formal dining invitations — 'Would you like to grab a bite?' is too casual for a business dinner不要用于正式的用餐邀请——'Would you like to grab a bite?'对商务晚宴来说太随意了No lo uses para invitaciones formales a cenar — '¿Quieres picar algo?' es demasiado informal para una cena de negocios.フォーマルな食事の誘いには使わないこと——「grab a bite しませんか?」はビジネスディナーにはカジュアルすぎる격식 있는 식사 초대에는 사용하지 말 것——'가볍게 먹으러 갈래요?'는 비즈니스 디너에는 너무 캐주얼하다
Origin & History
American colloquial expression from the mid-20th century. 'Bite' has been slang for a small amount of food since the 1800s; 'grab' adds the sense of speed and informality.
Cultural Context
Era: Mid-20th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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