HSK 7, unknown, rank #26720, Very Hard, formal, literary
shànshí(shan4shi2) T4
1meal
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March 24, 2026
膳食()shànshí(shan4shi2)
膳食 (shànshí) refers to meals or food, particularly in the context of formal dining or nutrition. It is commonly used in settings such as hospitals, schools, and institutions to discuss dietary provisions, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet.
Frequency#26720DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 膳食 is closely linked to the idea of health and wellness. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining health, often seen in the dietary recommendations of doctors.
Memory Tip
Think of 膳 as 'shàn' which sounds like 'shun', symbolizing a smooth dining experience. The character has the radical for 'food' (食) at the bottom, which reminds you that this word is all about meals.
Meanings of 膳食
shànshí(shan4shi2)
1meal
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About 膳食
膳食Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 膳食
Podcast: 膳食
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AI Study Notes for 膳食
Quick Contrast
饮食 (yǐnshí) refers to diet or food intake in a broader sense, while 膳食 (shànshí) specifically emphasizes formal meals or dietary provisions.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 膳 as 'shàn' which sounds like 'shun', symbolizing a smooth dining experience. The character has the radical for 'food' (食) at the bottom, which reminds you that this word is all about meals.
Usage Notes
膳食 is more formal than the casual term 餐 (cān) for meal. It's often used in institutional contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations about food. Be mindful of the tones; mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 膳食 is not a specific HSK word, it connects to vocabulary related to food and nutrition found in HSK levels 3 and 4. Focus on learning related terms like 餐 (cān) and 食物 (shíwù) to enhance your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 膳食 is closely linked to the idea of health and wellness. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining health, often seen in the dietary recommendations of doctors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 膳食 with 餐, using them interchangeably. Remember that 膳食 is more formal, so it's not appropriate for casual discussions about meals.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 膳食
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Cultural Notes for 膳食
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 膳食 is closely linked to the idea of health and wellness. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining health, often seen in the dietary recommendations of doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions about 膳食
Examples of 膳食 options include breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, such as rice, vegetables, and meat. It can also refer to meal plans that cater to specific dietary needs, like vegetarian or low-carb meals.
膳食 (shàn shí) and 饮食 (yǐn shí) are related but not identical. While 膳食 focuses specifically on meals, 饮食 encompasses both food and drink. Understanding the context helps determine which term is more appropriate.
You can use 膳食 (shàn shí) in a sentence like: '我每天都注意我的膳食' (I pay attention to my diet every day). It can also be used in discussions about nutrition or meal services.
膳食 (shàn shí) means 'meal' or 'diet' in Chinese. It refers to the food that is prepared and consumed during meals, often emphasizing balanced nutrition. In various contexts, it can relate to dietary habits or meal planning.
No, 膳食 is more formal and typically used in specific contexts like healthcare or institutional settings.
膳食 is more formal and often refers to meals provided in specific contexts, while 餐 is a general term for a meal.
You can say '这个医院的膳食很好' which means 'The meals at this hospital are very good.'
