How to Say ‘How is this fish cooked?’ in Simplified Chinese
这个鱼是怎么做的？
zhè gè yú shì zěn me zuò de
[juh guh yoo shir dzun-muh dzwoh de]
💬 Usage Tip: Wrap a question word in 是…的 to ask about how something was done: 是怎么做的. Swap in another dish to reuse it: 这个鸡是怎么做的？ "How is this chicken cooked?"
🇨🇳 In China: In China, fish is often cooked whole and you choose the method, so it's normal to ask the server this when ordering.
Phrase Breakdown
这个鱼
zhè gè yú
this fish
This is the topic of the question.
这个鱼多少钱？
How much is this fish?
Words in this phrase
这
zhè
[juh]
this
A demonstrative meaning “this,” used to point to something near the speaker.
这个活动来了很多公司代表。
Many company representatives came to this event.
个
gè
[guh]
general measure word
A very common measure word used with many nouns, including people in simple counting.
一个大人和一个孩子。
One adult and one child.
鱼
yú
[yoo]
fish
A common dish item that may be included in a set meal or special menu.
家庭套餐里有鱼。
The family set meal includes fish.
是怎么做的？
shì zěn me zuò de
how is it cooked?
The 是……的 (shì…de) pattern asks about the manner of something already done.
你是怎么来的？
How did you get here?
Words in this phrase
是
shì
[shir]
to be; is; are
A linking verb meaning 'to be.' It connects a subject with identity or description.
她是医生。
She is a doctor.
怎么
zěn me
[dzun-muh]
how
Used to ask about method, way, or route.
这个地方怎么去？
How do I get to this place?
做
zuò
[dzwoh]
to make; to prepare
In a restaurant, it often means to cook or prepare a dish in a certain way.
这个菜可以做得清淡一点吗？
Can this dish be made lighter in flavor?
的
de
[de]
(emphasis particle in 是…的)
Used with 是 to emphasize how, when or where something was done.
这个菜是我妈妈做的。
This dish was made by my mom.
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