饮食

• Pinyin: yǐn shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 饮 = 饣+ 欠, to drink; 食 = pictograph of food vessel with contents, to eat/food

Meaning

Diet; food and drink. The things a person eats and drinks, especially as it relates to health.

Encompasses both eating and drinking habits. Often used in health, nutrition, and lifestyle contexts. Common phrases: 饮食习惯 (dietary habits), 健康饮食 (healthy diet), 饮食文化 (food culture). Can also refer to the food service industry.

Examples

1. 健康的饮食习惯对身体很重要。 Healthy dietary habits are important for the body.
2. 中国的饮食文化历史悠久，博大精深。 Chinese food culture has a long history and is profound and extensive.
3. 他生病期间需要注意饮食清淡。 During his illness, he needs to keep his diet light.

Usage Guide

Context: health, nutrition, culture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你的饮食健康吗？(Is your diet healthy?)
• 饮食要均衡。(Diet should be balanced.)

Don't Say

• 我饮食了饭 (饮食 is a noun — use 吃 or 喝 as verbs)

Origin & History

Compound of 饮 (to drink) and 食 (to eat, food). Together they cover all consumption of food and drink.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal