盒饭

• Pinyin: hé fàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 盒 = box; 饭 = meal/rice

Meaning

Boxed meal; bento. A pre-packaged meal in a disposable container.

Common affordable meal option for workers and students. Typically includes rice with meat and vegetables in a single container. Associated with quick, convenient eating.

Examples

1. 中午我们点了盒饭，省时又方便。 We ordered boxed meals at noon — saves time and is convenient.
2. 这家店的盒饭只要十五块钱。 The boxed meals at this shop are only fifteen yuan.
3. 剧组每天都给演员们准备盒饭。 The film crew prepares boxed meals for the actors every day.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, convenience, food, casual

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 今天吃盒饭吧。(Let's have boxed meals today.)
• 这个盒饭味道不错。(This boxed meal tastes good.)

Don't Say

• 请您吃盒饭 as formal invitation (盒饭 is casual/cheap — for formal occasions, use 请客吃饭)

Origin & History

Compound of 盒 (box) + 饭 (meal, rice), literally meaning boxed meal.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Working class/Students