How to Say ‘The meal is ready.’ in Simplified Chinese
家里刚做好饭。
jiā lǐ gāng zuò hǎo fàn
[jyah lee gahng dzwoe-how fahn]
🇨🇳 In China: Hosts often say this to pull you inside and toward the table right away. In China, being fed quickly is a classic sign of welcome and care.
Phrase Breakdown
家里
jiā lǐ
at home; the home
Refers to the place where the family lives.
家里有人。
Someone is at home.
Words in this phrase
家
jiā
[jyah]
home; family; house
Refers to the home or household where people live together.
家里刚做好饭，你们来得正好。
The meal at home has just been prepared; your timing is perfect.
里
lǐ
[lee]
inside; in; at home
A location word that shows something is within a place, here within the home.
家里刚做好饭，先别走了。
The meal at home has just been prepared, so do not leave yet.
刚
gāng
[gahng]
just; just now
Indicates that the action happened very recently.
我们刚做好饭，你们就到了。
We had just finished preparing the meal when you arrived.
做好饭
zuò hǎo fàn
have finished cooking; cooked the meal
Means the meal is ready.
妈妈已经做好饭了。
Mom has already finished cooking the meal.
Words in this phrase
做好
zuò hǎo
[dzwoe-how]
finish making; prepare completely
Shows that the cooking or preparation has been completed.
阿姨刚做好饭，快洗手吃吧。
Auntie has just finished making the meal, so wash your hands and eat.
饭
fàn
[fahn]
meal; cooked rice; food
Often means a meal in everyday conversation.
家里刚做好饭，菜还热着呢。
The meal at home has just been prepared, and the dishes are still hot.
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