How to Say ‘What would you like to eat?’ in Simplified Chinese
你想吃什么？
nǐ xiǎng chī shén me
[nee shyang chī shénme]
💬 Usage Tip: 什么 "what" sits where the answer would go, so the word order doesn't flip the way English questions do. The answer slots straight in: 我想吃鱼 "I want to eat fish".
Phrase Breakdown
你想吃
nǐ xiǎng chī
you want to eat
想 (xiǎng) means 'to want to'. 你 and 想 are both third tone, so 你 becomes second tone: ní xiǎng chī.
你想吃饺子吗？
Do you want to eat dumplings?
Words in this phrase
你
nǐ
[nee]
you
The informal or neutral word for “you,” suitable for peers or casual conversation.
如果对方和你年纪差不多，可以说“认识你”。
If the other person is about your age, you can say “nice to meet you” with 你.
想
xiǎng
[shyang]
to want; to think
Often means “to want” when followed by a verb, useful for polite questions and intentions.
我想多听听贵公司的介绍。
I would like to hear more about your company’s introduction.
吃
chī
[chī]
to eat
Basic verb for eating food.
我们去吃火锅吧。
Let's go eat hotpot.
什么？
shén me
what?
什么 (shénme) means 'what'. Say 什 with a rising tone and 么 lightly. Keep the 'sh' sound clear.
这是什么？
What is this?
Words in this phrase
什么
shén me
[shénme]
what
Question word asking about things.
你想吃什么？
What do you want to eat?
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