Chinese Foodie? Take a Seat at “大排档 (dàpáidàng )”

In Chinese we call this "大排档 (dàpáidàng)." Of course, the food doesn't come off the "street." It is just eaten within view of the street (and often past midnight)!

You will find a huge variety of delicious food at the "大排档 (dàpáidàng)." These include various snacks, BBQ, noodle soups...Read more

Examples:

Jīntiān wǎnshang, wǒmen qù chī dàpáidàng ba?
今天 晚上， 我们 去 吃 大排档 吧？
How about go out for the street food tonight?

Qítā fànguǎn dōu guānmén le, wǒmen qù chī dàpáidàng ba.
其他 饭馆 都 关门 了， 我们 去 吃 大排档 吧。
All the restaurants are closed now, so let's grab some street food.

If your Chinese friends suggest an expensive restaurant and your pockets aren't full, you may simply want some tasty street food! Feel free to express your love of "大排档 (dàpáidàng)" and comment on the nice weather outside."

When and How to Use "大排档 (dàpáidàng)?"

If your Chinese friends suggest an expensive restaurant and your pockets aren't full, you may simply want some tasty street food! Feel free to express your love of "大排档 (dàpáidàng)" and comment on the nice weather outside."

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Seen regularly near low ceilings and doorways, many foreigners would be confused by a sign asking them to "carefully bang head." This is just one of the many wonderful ways "小心碰头 (xiǎoxīn pèng tóu)" has been mistranslated–others include "carefulness bump head," "carefully hits to the forehead," and the more threatening "look out, knock-head."

So what's the meaning of this sign? Let's start with the handy Chinese expression: 小心 (xiǎoxīn).

The basic meaning of the phrase "小心 (xiǎoxīn)" can be used to mean "be careful (of something)," or "look out." Although it is literally translated to mean "small heart."

For example, signs reading "小心滑倒 (xiǎoxīn huá dǎo)" can be found near wet floors. Many times they will be mistranslated into "carefully slide" or "careful of land slide." But really this sign is...Read more

The confusion here arises because "小心 (xiǎoxīn)" can also be used to mean "carefully" or "carefulness"–as in–drive carefully.

Examples:

Wàimiàn fēng dà, xiǎoxīn zháoliáng.
外面 风 大，小心 着凉。
The wind is so strong, be careful not to catch a cold.

Bú yào dǎ diànhuà, xiǎoxīn kāichē.
不要 打 电话， 小心 开车。
Do not make phone calls, drive carefully.

Quiz: