When you want to express the idea of eating less of something, you can use 少吃 (shǎo chī). It literally translates to "less eat."
For example, if you want to say "eat less sugar," you would say 少吃糖 (shǎo chī táng). If you are trying to lose weight, someone might tell you 你应该少吃 (nǐ yīnggāi shǎo chī), meaning "you should eat less."
You can also use it to suggest eating less of a particular type of food, like 少吃肉 (shǎo chī ròu) for "eat less meat." It's a very practical phrase for talking about dietary habits.
When you want to tell someone to eat less in Chinese, you use the phrase 少吃 (shǎo chī). This literally translates to "less eat."
You might use it if someone is eating too much junk food, or if they are trying to manage their weight. It's a direct and common way to advise someone to reduce their food intake.
When we talk about 少吃 (shǎochī), it literally means 'eat less.' It's often used as advice or a suggestion to reduce the amount of food you consume.
For example, if you say “我应该少吃一点” (wǒ yīnggāi shǎochī yīdiǎn), you're saying “I should eat a little less.” It’s a straightforward way to express the idea of cutting back on food intake.
少吃 in 30 Seconds
- Use to say 'eat less'.
- Common in health and diet contexts.
- Simple and direct.
Let's break down 少吃 (shǎo chī), a common and practical Chinese verb that literally means 'to eat less'. You'll hear this a lot in everyday conversations, especially when people are talking about diet, health, or just being mindful about their food intake. It's a straightforward term, so don't overthink it.
§ What does 少吃 mean?
- DEFINITION
- To eat less; to reduce one's food intake.
At its core, 少吃 is about reducing the quantity of food you consume. It's not about eating nothing, but rather about scaling back. This can be for various reasons, which we'll get into. Think of it as a direct instruction or advice. It's a simple combination of 少 (shǎo), meaning 'few' or 'less', and 吃 (chī), meaning 'to eat'. Put them together, and you get 'eat less'. Easy, right?
§ When do people use 少吃?
People use 少吃 in a few common situations. It's usually related to health, diet, or when someone has overeaten. Here are the main scenarios:
-
For Weight Management or Dieting: This is probably the most common use. If someone wants to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, they will often say they need to 少吃.
我想减肥，所以我应该少吃一点。 (Wǒ xiǎng jiǎnféi, suǒyǐ wǒ yīnggāi shǎo chī yī diǎn.) - I want to lose weight, so I should eat a little less.
-
For Health Reasons (e.g., high blood sugar, indigestion): Doctors or friends might advise someone to 少吃 if they have certain health conditions that require dietary restrictions.
医生建议我少吃油腻的食物。 (Yīshēng jiànyì wǒ shǎo chī yóunì de shíwù.) - The doctor advised me to eat less greasy food.
-
After Eating Too Much: Sometimes, if you've had a big meal, you might regret it and say you need to 少吃 next time.
我今天吃太多了，明天要少吃一点。 (Wǒ jīntiān chī tài duō le, míngtiān yào shǎo chī yī diǎn.) - I ate too much today, tomorrow I need to eat a little less.
-
As a General Recommendation for Healthy Living: It can be a general piece of advice for living a healthier lifestyle, not necessarily tied to a specific diet or illness.
为了健康，我们都应该少吃加工食品。 (Wèile jiànkāng, wǒmen dōu yīnggāi shǎo chī jiāgōng shíwù.) - For health, we should all eat less processed food.
You might also hear it used with other verbs, for example, 少喝 (shǎo hē - drink less). The structure is quite flexible. Just remember, it's about moderation. It's direct and to the point, which is typical of how people communicate about these things in Chinese. Don't be surprised if your Chinese friends or even strangers give you this advice, it's often out of care and concern.
So, next time you're talking about food, diet, or health in Chinese, remember 少吃. It's a foundational phrase that will help you express common ideas about managing your food intake. Practice using it in different contexts, and you'll find it becomes second nature very quickly.
§ Understanding 少吃 (shǎo chī)
少吃 (shǎo chī) literally translates to 'eat less'. It's a very practical phrase you'll hear and use often, especially when discussing health, diet, or even just offering advice to friends. It's direct, easy to understand, and widely applicable. You'll find this word comes up in many different contexts, from casual chats about food to more formal discussions about health. It's a staple in everyday Chinese communication, and mastering its usage will definitely boost your fluency.
- DEFINITION
- To eat less
§ Where You'll Actually Hear 少吃 (shǎo chī)
You'll encounter 少吃 (shǎo chī) in various daily situations. It's not a formal or academic term, so you'll hear it in casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues. Think about discussions around lunch, dinner, or even just general wellness. It's a common piece of advice given or received.
- At Work: Colleagues might talk about their diets or health goals.
- At School: Students might joke about eating too much junk food, or a teacher might remind them to eat healthily.
- In the News/Media: Health-related articles or TV segments often use this term when discussing diet and weight management.
Let's look at some examples of how it's used in these everyday scenarios. Pay attention to the context to really grasp its practical application.
§ At Work
In an office setting, people often talk about lunch, snacks, and personal health. 少吃 (shǎo chī) comes up naturally in these conversations, especially if someone is trying to manage their weight or just adopt healthier eating habits.
我最近胖了，要少吃一点。
(Wǒ zuìjìn pàng le, yào shǎo chī yī diǎn.) - I've gained weight recently, so I need to (eat less) a bit.
医生建议他少吃油腻的食物。
(Yīshēng jiànyì tā shǎo chī yóunì de shíwù.) - The doctor advised him to (eat less) greasy food.
§ At School
In a school environment, especially among younger people, conversations around food and snacks are very common. Students might discuss their eating habits, or perhaps a parent or teacher might give advice.
妈妈让我少吃零食。
(Māmā ràng wǒ shǎo chī língshí.) - Mom told me to (eat less) snacks.
为了健康，我们应该少吃快餐。
(Wèile jiànkāng, wǒmen yīnggāi shǎo chī kuàicān.) - For health, we should (eat less) fast food.
§ In the News or Media
When reading articles or watching news segments about health and lifestyle in Chinese, you'll frequently see 少吃 (shǎo chī) used in recommendations for a healthy diet. It's a straightforward way to convey dietary advice.
专家建议少吃糖，多吃蔬菜。
(Zhuānjiā jiànyì shǎo chī táng, duō chī shūcài.) - Experts suggest (eating less) sugar and more vegetables.
健康饮食，从少吃加工食品开始。
(Jiànkāng yǐnshí, cóng shǎo chī jiāgōng shí pǐn kāishǐ.) - Healthy eating starts with (eating less) processed foods.
§ Key Takeaways for 少吃 (shǎo chī)
As you can see, 少吃 (shǎo chī) is a highly versatile and common verb. It's almost always used in contexts related to diet, health, and personal well-being. It's direct, easy to integrate into your conversations, and will be immediately understood by native speakers. Don't overthink it; just remember it means 'eat less' and apply it where it makes sense in discussions about food intake.
- It's almost always related to diet and health.
- It can be followed by '一点 (yī diǎn)' for 'a little bit'.
- It's often paired with specific types of food to indicate what to reduce.
- It's a straightforward way to give or receive advice about eating habits.
Keep practicing with these examples, and try to incorporate 少吃 (shǎo chī) into your own Chinese conversations. You'll find it incredibly useful in many everyday situations.
§ Don't Confuse 少吃 with 不吃
Many learners, especially at the A2 level, tend to mix up 少吃 (shǎo chī) and 不吃 (bù chī). While they both relate to eating, their meanings are quite different. 少吃 means 'to eat less' of something, implying you are still consuming it, just in smaller quantities. 不吃, on the other hand, means 'not to eat at all' or 'to abstain from'.
- DEFINITION
- 少吃 (shǎo chī) - To eat less.
医生建议我少吃甜食。(Yīshēng jiànyì wǒ shǎo chī tiánshí.) - The doctor advised me to (eat less) sweets.
我不吃肉。(Wǒ bù chī ròu.) - I (don't eat) meat.
See the difference? If you say 你应该不吃甜食 (Nǐ yīnggāi bù chī tiánshí), it means 'You shouldn't eat sweets at all,' which is much stronger than 'You should eat less sweets.'
§ Incorrect Placement in Sentences
Another common error is putting 少吃 in the wrong place. 少吃 is a verb phrase, and it typically goes before the object it modifies, or it can stand alone as an imperative. It's not an adverb that can just float anywhere.
- INCORRECT USAGE
- 我甜食少吃。(Wǒ tiánshí shǎo chī.) - This is grammatically awkward and unnatural.
- CORRECT USAGE
- 我少吃甜食。(Wǒ shǎo chī tiánshí.) - I (eat less) sweets.
The verb-object structure in Chinese is quite important. Think of 少吃 as a combined action and quantity. You 'less-eat' the item.
§ Overusing it When Other Phrases Are Better
Sometimes learners use 少吃 when a more specific or nuanced phrase would be better. While 少吃 is perfectly fine for 'eat less,' if you want to express cutting down on something for health reasons, or simply reducing your intake, there are other ways to say it, though 少吃 is the most direct.
- To say 'I need to watch my diet/eat healthy,' you might say 我要健康饮食 (Wǒ yào jiànkāng yǐnshí).
- If you mean 'I should control my food intake,' you could say 我应该控制饮食 (Wǒ yīnggāi kòngzhì yǐnshí).
While 少吃 still fits into these contexts, understanding these alternatives can make your Chinese sound more natural and varied. However, for simply stating 'eat less,' 少吃 is your go-to phrase.
§ Not Specifying What to Eat Less Of
While 少吃 can be used alone as an imperative (e.g., 'Eat less!'), in most conversational contexts, you'll want to specify what you should be eating less of. Leaving it vague can make your sentence less clear.
为了健康，你应该少吃油炸食品。(Wèile jiànkāng, nǐ yīnggāi shǎo chī yóuzhá shípǐn.) - For your health, you should (eat less) fried food.
Compare that to just saying 你应该少吃 (Nǐ yīnggāi shǎo chī), which only means 'You should eat less.' While grammatically correct, it lacks specific advice. Always try to provide the object when advising someone or talking about your own eating habits, unless the context is absolutely clear.
§ What 少吃 means
- Chinese Word
- 少吃 (shǎo chī)
- Definition
- To eat less
少吃 (shǎo chī) literally means 'less eat'. It's a straightforward verb phrase you'll use often when talking about diet, health, or just generally reducing your food intake. It's super common in everyday conversations.
§ Basic Usage of 少吃
You can use 少吃 directly to tell someone to eat less, or to talk about yourself eating less. It can stand alone as an imperative or be part of a longer sentence.
你最好少吃一点儿。
- Translation hint
- You had better eat a little less.
为了健康，我最近少吃了。
- Translation hint
- For health, I've been eating less recently.
§ Specifying what to eat less of
If you want to say 'eat less of X', you put the food item after 少吃. This is a common pattern for verbs in Chinese.
医生建议我少吃油腻食物。
- Translation hint
- The doctor advised me to eat less greasy food.
为了减肥，她决定少吃甜点。
- Translation hint
- To lose weight, she decided to eat less dessert.
§ When to use 少吃 vs. alternatives
While 少吃 is the most direct way to say 'eat less', there are other phrases that convey similar meanings but with slight differences in nuance or formality.
- 少吃 (shǎo chī): This is your go-to, everyday phrase. It's direct, natural, and widely understood. Use it for general advice, personal confessions, or mild recommendations. It focuses on the quantity of food.
Example:
“你最近胖了，应该少吃一点。”
- Translation hint
- "You've gained weight recently, you should eat a little less."
- 节食 (jiéshí): This means 'to go on a diet' or 'to diet'. It implies a more structured and intentional effort to control food intake, usually for weight loss or health reasons. It's a noun when referring to 'a diet' (e.g., 节食计划 - diet plan) and a verb when meaning 'to diet'.
Example:
她正在节食减肥。
- Translation hint
- She is dieting to lose weight.
- 控制饮食 (kòngzhì yǐnshí): This translates to 'control diet' or 'control food intake'. It's a broader term than 节食, encompassing not just eating less, but also eating healthier, at specific times, or avoiding certain foods. It's often used in medical or health-related contexts.
Example:
糖尿病患者需要严格控制饮食。
- Translation hint
- Diabetic patients need to strictly control their diet.
In summary, use 少吃 for general 'eat less' situations. Use 节食 when talking about 'going on a diet' with a specific goal. Use 控制饮食 for broader 'dietary control' or management, especially in health contexts.
Fun Fact
The character 少 (shǎo) can also mean 'young' when used in certain contexts, like 少年 (shàonián) meaning 'youth' or 'teenager'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Confusing 少 (shǎo) with 小 (xiǎo) - 少 means 'few/less', while 小 means 'small/little'.
- Incorrect tone for 少 (shǎo) - it's a third tone, dipping and then rising.
Difficulty Rating
short and common characters
short and common characters
common pronunciation, straightforward tone
clear and distinct syllables
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
我需要少吃一点。
I need to eat a little less.
医生让我少吃甜食。
The doctor told me to eat less sweets.
如果你想减肥，就少吃米饭。
If you want to lose weight, eat less rice.
少吃油炸食品对身体好。
Eating less fried food is good for your health.
他决定少吃肉，多吃蔬菜。
He decided to eat less meat and more vegetables.
晚餐我常常少吃。
I often eat less for dinner.
为了健康，我们应该少吃快餐。
For health, we should eat less fast food.
请你少吃一点，这个蛋糕太甜了。
Please eat a little less; this cake is too sweet.
医生建议我少吃甜食。
The doctor advised me to eat less sweets.
为了健康，我决定少吃油炸食品。
For health, I decided to eat less fried food.
如果你想减肥，就应该少吃米饭。
If you want to lose weight, you should eat less rice.
他最近胃不舒服，所以少吃了一点。
His stomach has been uncomfortable recently, so he ate a little less.
晚餐少吃点，对消化好。
Eat a little less for dinner, it's good for digestion.
妈妈总是提醒我少吃零食。
Mom always reminds me to eat fewer snacks.
为了保持身材，她每天都少吃一点。
To stay in shape, she eats a little less every day.
我觉得我需要少吃肉，多吃蔬菜。
I think I need to eat less meat and more vegetables.
为了保持身材，她决定少吃甜食。
In order to maintain her figure, she decided to eat less sweets.
医生建议我少吃油炸食品，对健康有好处。
The doctor advised me to eat less fried food, which is good for my health.
如果你想减肥，就得少吃多运动。
If you want to lose weight, you have to eat less and exercise more.
他因为胃不舒服，这几天少吃了许多。
He hasn't been feeling well in his stomach, so he's been eating much less these past few days.
为了省钱，他们一家人常常少吃一顿饭。
To save money, their family often skips a meal.
虽然美食当前，但为了健康，我还是选择少吃一点。
Although delicious food is in front of me, for the sake of health, I still choose to eat a little less.
奶奶总是叮嘱我们少吃零食，多吃正餐。
Grandma always reminds us to eat less snacks and more regular meals.
考试期间，她因为压力大，常常少吃几口饭。
During exams, she often eats a few bites less due to stress.
少吃多餐是保持健康的好方法。
Eating less but more frequently is a good way to stay healthy.
医生建议他少吃油腻的食物。
The doctor advised him to eat less greasy food.
为了减肥，她决定每天少吃一顿。
To lose weight, she decided to eat one less meal every day.
如果你想省钱，就少吃外卖吧。
If you want to save money, eat less takeout.
孩子总是不听话，少吃蔬菜。
The child is always disobedient, eating less vegetables.
节假日期间，我们应该提醒自己少吃。
During holidays, we should remind ourselves to eat less.
老人家胃口不好，总是少吃一点。
Elderly people have poor appetites, always eating a little less.
为了保持身材，她每天坚持少吃甜食。
To maintain her figure, she insists on eating less sweets every day.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
为了健康，你应该少吃一点。
For health, you should {eat a little less}.
医生建议我少吃多餐。
The doctor advised me to {eat less, but more frequently}.
如果你想减肥，就少吃甜食吧。
If you want to lose weight, then {eat fewer sweets}.
他最近胃口不好，少吃了很多。
He hasn't had a good appetite recently, and has {eaten much less}.
少吃油炸食品对身体好。
{Eating fewer fried foods} is good for your body.
为了保持身材，她总是少吃多动。
To keep in shape, she always {eats less and exercises more}.
晚餐我打算少吃一点。
I plan to {eat a little less} for dinner.
如果你吃撑了，下次就应该少吃。
If you're stuffed, next time you {should eat less}.
对不起，我吃不下了，可以少吃点吗？
Sorry, I can't eat any more, can I {eat a little less}?
尽量少吃加工食品，多吃新鲜的。
{Try to eat less} processed food, and more fresh food.
Often Confused With
Similar structure, means 'to drink less'. Often used for drinks like alcohol or sugary beverages.
Similar structure, means 'to use less'. Applicable to resources, money, or time.
The direct opposite of '少吃', meaning 'to eat more'. Useful for contrast.
Idioms & Expressions
"少吃多餐"
Eat less and more frequently (a common dietary advice)
医生建议我少吃多餐，对胃好。
neutral"少吃为妙"
It's best to eat less.
为了健康，甜食还是少吃为妙。
neutral"嘴馋但要少吃"
Craving but need to eat less.
虽然我嘴馋，但为了减肥，还是得少吃。
informal"少吃一点没关系"
Eating a little less is fine.
这道菜有点辣，你少吃一点没关系。
neutral"为了健康，少吃肉"
Eat less meat for health.
医生说为了健康，我们应该少吃肉，多吃蔬菜。
neutral"饭后少吃水果"
Eat less fruit after meals.
饭后少吃水果，有助于消化。
neutral"生病时要少吃"
Eat less when sick.
他生病了，医生让他多喝水，少吃油腻的食物。
neutral"过年时也要少吃"
Even during Chinese New Year, eat less.
过年虽然好吃的很多，但为了身体，还是要少吃。
neutral"少吃甜食，多运动"
Eat less sweets, exercise more.
想要保持身材，就得少吃甜食，多运动。
neutral"少吃零食"
Eat less snacks.
妈妈总是提醒我少吃零食，多吃正餐。
neutralEasily Confused
This verb specifically means 'to eat less' in the context of reducing food intake, often for health or diet reasons. Learners might confuse it with general commands to eat smaller portions or not to eat at all.
It implies a conscious effort to consume a smaller amount of food over time, rather than just a single instance of eating a small portion.
医生建议他少吃甜食。(The doctor advised him to eat less sweets.)
This phrase literally means 'eat a little less' or 'eat a bit less'. It's very similar to 少吃 but carries a slightly different nuance.
While related, '吃少一点' is often a more direct and immediate instruction to reduce the quantity of food in a specific meal or instance. '少吃' can refer to a general habit.
你今天吃少一点吧，你看起来不太舒服。(You should eat a little less today, you don't look very well.)
This means 'not to eat' or 'to abstain from eating'. Learners might incorrectly use it when they mean to reduce intake.
This is a complete cessation of eating something, whereas '少吃' implies reducing the amount but still consuming some.
他今天不吃早饭。(He is not eating breakfast today.)
While '少食' (shǎo shí) can also mean 'to eat less' or 'small meal', it's more formal or literary and less common in everyday spoken Chinese compared to '少吃'.
This is a more formal or classical way of expressing the idea, often found in written contexts or specific phrases. '少吃' is the standard, everyday spoken verb.
他提倡少食多餐。(He advocates for eating less but more frequently.)
This term specifically means 'to go on a diet' or 'to diet'. Learners might confuse it with simply eating less.
While '节食' involves '少吃', it's a broader concept referring to a structured plan to control food intake, usually for weight loss or health reasons. '少吃' is a more general act of reducing food.
她正在节食减肥。(She is dieting to lose weight.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
How to Use It
How to Use 少吃 (shǎo chī) Correctly
少吃 (shǎo chī) is a straightforward verb meaning “to eat less.” You can use it when advising someone to reduce their food intake, or when talking about your own efforts to eat less.
Example 1: Giving Advice
医生说我应该少吃肉。
(Yīshēng shuō wǒ yīnggāi shǎo chī ròu.)
The doctor said I should eat less meat.
Example 2: Talking About Yourself
为了减肥，我最近少吃了很多。
(Wèile jiǎnféi, wǒ zuìjìn shǎo chīle hěnduō.)
To lose weight, I've been eating much less recently.
Example 3: General Recommendation
晚上少吃一点会睡得更好。
(Wǎnshàng shǎo chī yīdiǎn huì shuì de gèng hǎo.)
Eating a little less in the evening will help you sleep better.
Common Mistakes with 少吃 (shǎo chī)
The most common mistake learners make is trying to insert another word like “食物” (shíwù - food) after 少吃. While you can specify what you are eating less of, 少吃 itself already implies food reduction.
Incorrect: 我应该少吃食物。
(Wǒ yīnggāi shǎo chī shíwù.)
Why it's wrong: It's redundant. “少吃” already means “eat less.” Adding “食物” makes it sound like “eat less food food.”
Correct: 我应该少吃。
(Wǒ yīnggāi shǎo chī.)
I should eat less.
If you want to specify *what* you're eating less of, put the object after 少吃, just like a regular verb-object structure.
Correct: 我应该少吃甜食。
(Wǒ yīnggāi shǎo chī tiánshí.)
I should eat less sweets.
Tips
Use with food-related verbs
Combine 少吃 with other verbs related to food, such as 少吃肉 (eat less meat) or 少吃甜点 (eat fewer desserts).
Expressing quantity reduction
When you want to express eating a smaller amount of something, 少吃 is the go-to phrase.
Implies a conscious effort
Using 少吃 often implies a deliberate choice to reduce consumption, perhaps for health reasons or weight management.
Opposite of 多吃 (duō chī)
Understand 少吃 by contrasting it with its opposite, 多吃 (duō chī), which means 'to eat more'. This helps reinforce the meaning.
Can be a suggestion or command
少吃 can be used as a polite suggestion ('You should eat less') or a more direct command ('Eat less!').
Not for 'don't eat at all'
少吃 means 'eat less', not 'don't eat at all'. If you want to say 'don't eat', use 不吃 (bù chī) or 别吃 (bié chī).
Common in health discussions
You'll frequently hear 少吃 in conversations about health, diet, and lifestyle choices in Chinese culture.
Combine with adverbs for nuance
You can add adverbs like 一点儿 (yī diǎnr, a little bit) to say 少吃一点儿 (eat a little bit less), making it softer.
Practice with daily routines
Integrate 少吃 into your daily routine by thinking about what you could eat less of each day. For example, '我应该少吃甜食' (Wǒ yīnggāi shǎochī tiánshí - I should eat less sweets).
Used figuratively sometimes
While primarily literal, sometimes 少吃 can be used metaphorically to mean 'reduce consumption' of non-food items, like '少吃点亏' (shǎo chī diǎn kuī - suffer a bit less loss), though this is more advanced.
Word Origin
The character 少 (shǎo) means 'few' or 'less', and 吃 (chī) means 'to eat'. Combined, they directly translate to 'eat less'.
Original meaning: 'Eat less'
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
When offering advice about diet or health in Chinese culture, it's common to suggest eating less of certain foods rather than completely abstaining. This reflects a balanced approach to well-being. Additionally, the phrase 少吃 can sometimes be used as a gentle reminder to moderate one's consumption, particularly during festive occasions where food is abundant.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can use 少吃 (shǎo chī) to suggest eating less of something. For example, '你应该少吃甜食' (Nǐ yīnggāi shǎo chī tiánshí) means 'You should eat less sweets.' You can also use it generally, like '我最近想少吃一点' (Wǒ zuìjìn xiǎng shǎo chī yīdiǎn) which means 'I want to eat a little less recently.'
少吃 (shǎo chī) is pretty neutral. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or in slightly more formal settings when giving advice.
No, 少吃 (shǎo chī) specifically means 'eat less.' If you want to say 'don't eat,' you'd use '不吃' (bù chī) or '别吃' (bié chī). For example, '我今天不吃肉' (Wǒ jīntiān bù chī ròu) means 'I'm not eating meat today.'
少吃 (shǎo chī) means 'to eat less,' which is a *method* for losing weight. 减肥 (jiǎnfèi) means 'to lose weight' or 'to diet,' which is the *goal*. So, you might 少吃 (shǎo chī) to 减肥 (jiǎnfèi).
A common phrase is '少吃多运动' (shǎo chī duō yùndòng), which means 'eat less and exercise more.' It's often used when talking about healthy habits.
No, 少吃 (shǎo chī) is specifically about eating. If you want to say 'do something less,' you'd use '少做' (shǎo zuò) or another appropriate verb.
少 (shǎo) is pronounced with a third tone, like 'shao' in 'shout.' 吃 (chī) is pronounced with a first tone, like 'chee' in 'cheese.' So, it's 'shao-chee.'
It can be, depending on the context and your relationship with the person. If you're talking about their personal diet without being asked, it might be considered impolite. It's usually better to offer advice generally or when specifically asked.
The opposite would be '多吃' (duō chī), meaning 'to eat more.' For example, '多吃蔬菜水果' (Duō chī shūcài shuǐguǒ) means 'Eat more vegetables and fruits.'
You'd most likely hear or use 少吃 (shǎo chī) when talking about health, diet, or weight management. For example, a doctor might tell a patient to '少吃油腻的食物' (shǎo chī yóunì de shíwù) which means 'eat less greasy food.'
Test Yourself 168 questions
你今天吃了太多，应该___。
The sentence suggests eating too much, so '少吃' (eat less) is the appropriate advice.
如果你想减肥，就___。
To lose weight, one should '少吃' (eat less).
我的肚子不舒服，所以我要___。
If your stomach isn't comfortable, '少吃' (eat less) is a good idea.
妈妈说我零食要___。
Mothers often tell children to '少吃' (eat less) snacks.
为了身体健康，我们应该___油炸食品。
For health, we should '少吃' (eat less) fried foods.
医生告诉我，晚上要___。
Doctors often advise people to '少吃' (eat less) at night.
Which of these means 'eat less'?
少 (shǎo) means 'less' or 'few', and 吃 (chī) means 'to eat'. So, 少吃 means 'to eat less'.
If you want to suggest someone eats less of something, which phrase would you use?
少吃 (shǎo chī) is used to advise eating less of a particular item. '少吃糖' means 'eat less sugar'.
Complete the sentence: 我想___，因为我有点胖。(Wǒ xiǎng ___, yīnwèi wǒ yǒudiǎn pàng.) I want to ___, because I'm a little fat.
If you are a little fat, you would want to eat less. '少吃' fits the context.
少吃 (shǎo chī) means to eat a lot.
少 (shǎo) means 'less' or 'few', so 少吃 means to eat less, not a lot.
If your doctor tells you to 少吃 (shǎo chī) fast food, they want you to eat less of it.
Yes, 少吃 means to eat less. So, '少吃快餐' means 'eat less fast food'.
When you say '我应该少吃 (Wǒ yīnggāi shǎo chī)', you are saying 'I should eat more'.
No, '我应该少吃' means 'I should eat less'. 少 (shǎo) means 'less'.
The doctor's advice.
Advice for losing weight.
Reason for eating less.
Read this aloud:
少吃多运动。
Focus: shǎo chī duō yùn dòng
You said:
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Read this aloud:
你应该少吃甜食。
Focus: yīng gāi shǎo chī tián shí
You said:
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Read this aloud:
为了健康，我决定少吃肉。
Focus: wèi le jiàn kāng, wǒ jué dìng shǎo chī ròu
You said:
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You want to eat less cake. How would you tell your friend in Chinese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我想少吃蛋糕。
Your doctor tells you to eat less sugar. Write this sentence in Chinese.
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Sample answer
医生让我少吃糖。
You are trying to be healthy and decide to eat less meat. How do you express this in Chinese?
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Sample answer
我决定少吃肉。
Why does he need to eat less rice?
Read this passage:
医生说，他需要少吃米饭。因为他很胖。
Why does he need to eat less rice?
The passage says '因为他很胖' which means 'because he is very fat'.
The passage says '因为他很胖' which means 'because he is very fat'.
What did Mom ask me to eat less of?
Read this passage:
我妈妈让我少吃水果。因为我肚子疼。
What did Mom ask me to eat less of?
The passage says '我妈妈让我少吃水果' which means 'My mom told me to eat less fruit'.
The passage says '我妈妈让我少吃水果' which means 'My mom told me to eat less fruit'.
Why did the puppy eat less today?
Read this passage:
小狗今天不舒服，所以它少吃了。主人很担心。
Why did the puppy eat less today?
The passage says '小狗今天不舒服' which means 'The puppy is not feeling well today'.
The passage says '小狗今天不舒服' which means 'The puppy is not feeling well today'.
This sentence means 'You should eat a little less.'
This sentence means 'I want to eat less rice.'
This sentence means 'He has been eating less sweets recently.'
如果你想减肥，你应该___。
To lose weight, one should eat less. '少吃' means to eat less.
医生建议我为了健康要___甜食。
The doctor advised me to eat less sweets for my health. '少吃' is the appropriate choice here.
她今天不舒服，所以她___了一点。
She wasn't feeling well today, so she ate a little less. '少吃' fits the context of not feeling well.
为了保持身材，他决定每天___晚饭。
To stay in shape, he decided to eat less dinner every day. '少吃' means to eat less.
如果你吃太多了，明天要___一点。
If you ate too much, you should eat a little less tomorrow. '少吃' is the correct action.
他想减肥，所以他尽量___油炸食品。
He wants to lose weight, so he tries to eat less fried food. '少吃' means to eat less.
The doctor said I should eat less sugar.
If you want to lose weight, you should eat less rice.
His stomach wasn't feeling well today, so he ate a little less.
Read this aloud:
少吃一点油炸食品对健康有好处。
Focus: 少吃 (shǎo chī)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
为了保持身材，她决定少吃晚饭。
Focus: 少吃 (shǎo chī)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
多吃蔬菜水果，少吃垃圾食品。
Focus: 少吃 (shǎo chī)
You said:
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You want to eat less dessert. How would you tell your friend in Chinese?
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Sample answer
我想少吃甜点。(I want to eat less dessert.)
Your doctor told you to eat less meat for your health. How would you say this in Chinese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
医生说我要少吃肉。(The doctor said I need to eat less meat.)
You are trying to lose weight and decide to eat less rice. Write this sentence in Chinese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我减肥，所以要少吃米饭。(I'm losing weight, so I need to eat less rice.)
Why did Xiao Ming's mother tell him to eat less?
Read this passage:
小明喜欢吃很多东西，但是他最近觉得有点胖。他妈妈说：“小明，你应该少吃一点。”
Why did Xiao Ming's mother tell him to eat less?
The passage states that '他最近觉得有点胖' (he recently feels a bit fat), which is why his mother told him to eat less.
The passage states that '他最近觉得有点胖' (he recently feels a bit fat), which is why his mother told him to eat less.
What does the person eat less of for their health?
Read this passage:
为了健康，我每天都少吃油炸食品。多吃蔬菜和水果对身体更好。
What does the person eat less of for their health?
The passage says '我每天都少吃油炸食品' (I eat less fried food every day).
The passage says '我每天都少吃油炸食品' (I eat less fried food every day).
What is a benefit of eating less takeout mentioned in the passage?
Read this passage:
如果你想省钱，可以少吃外卖。自己在家做饭会便宜很多。
What is a benefit of eating less takeout mentioned in the passage?
The passage states '如果你想省钱，可以少吃外卖' (If you want to save money, you can eat less takeout).
The passage states '如果你想省钱，可以少吃外卖' (If you want to save money, you can eat less takeout).
This sentence means 'You should eat less dessert.' The standard Chinese sentence structure is Subject + Adverbial + Verb + Object.
This sentence means 'I decided to eat less rice.' The structure follows Subject + Verb + Verb phrase (少吃米饭).
This sentence means 'For health, he eats less meat.' '为了健康' is a common introductory phrase indicating purpose.
如果你想减肥，你应该___。
If you want to lose weight, you should eat less.
医生建议他___甜食，因为他对糖过敏。
The doctor advised him to eat less sweets because he is allergic to sugar.
为了保持健康，我们都应该___油炸食品。
To stay healthy, we should all eat less fried food.
他最近胃口不好，所以他决定___。
He hasn't had a good appetite recently, so he decided to eat less.
专家建议，晚上___对消化系统更好。
Experts suggest that eating less at night is better for the digestive system.
虽然披萨很美味，但为了健康，我还是决定___。
Although pizza is delicious, for my health, I still decided to eat less.
Choose the correct translation: 'She decided to eat less to lose weight.'
'少吃' means to eat less. The other options mean 'eat more', 'not eat', and 'eat a lot' respectively.
Which of the following suggests someone is trying to improve their health?
'少吃油炸食品' means to eat less fried food, which is a healthy habit. The other options describe unhealthy behaviors.
If your doctor tells you to '少吃甜食', what does that mean?
'少吃甜食' directly translates to 'eat less sweet food.'
You should '少吃' if you want to gain weight.
'少吃' means to eat less, which is typically for losing weight or maintaining weight, not gaining it.
When you are sick, sometimes doctors advise you to '少吃' spicy food.
It's common advice to eat less spicy food when sick, as spicy food can sometimes irritate the stomach.
If someone says '我应该少吃一点', they are probably hungry.
If someone says '我应该少吃一点' (I should eat a little less), they are likely trying to control their food intake, not because they are hungry.
You want to suggest to a friend that they should eat less fast food to be healthier. Write a sentence in Chinese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
为了健康，你应该少吃快餐。
Your doctor told you to eat less sugar. Write down what the doctor said in Chinese.
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Sample answer
医生说我应该少吃糖。
Write a sentence advising someone to eat less late at night if they want to lose weight.
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Sample answer
如果你想减肥，晚上就少吃一点。
医生建议小明怎么做才能感觉舒服一些？
Read this passage:
小明最近常常觉得胃不舒服。医生建议他少吃辛辣的食物，多吃蔬菜和水果。小明决定听医生的话，希望能快点好起来。
医生建议小明怎么做才能感觉舒服一些？
医生建议小明少吃辛辣的食物，多吃蔬菜和水果。
医生建议小明少吃辛辣的食物，多吃蔬菜和水果。
她为什么每天少吃甜食？
Read this passage:
为了保持身材，她每天都少吃一点甜食。虽然有时候很难，但是她觉得这样对身体更好。她的朋友们都夸她很有毅力。
她为什么每天少吃甜食？
文章中提到她为了保持身材，每天都少吃一点甜食。
文章中提到她为了保持身材，每天都少吃一点甜食。
妈妈为什么让爸爸少吃宵夜？
Read this passage:
我的爸爸很喜欢吃宵夜。妈妈总是告诉他要少吃，因为晚上吃太多对身体不好。但是爸爸常常偷偷地吃。
妈妈为什么让爸爸少吃宵夜？
妈妈告诉爸爸要少吃，因为晚上吃太多对身体不好。
妈妈告诉爸爸要少吃，因为晚上吃太多对身体不好。
The doctor advised me to eat less sweets. The standard Chinese sentence structure is Subject-Verb-Object.
For health, he decided to eat less greasy food. The '为了...决定...' structure indicates a purpose and decision.
If you want to lose weight, you should eat less dinner. '如果...就...' is a common conditional sentence structure.
如果你想减肥，就应该___。
To lose weight, you should 'eat less'.
医生建议他___油腻的食物。
The doctor advised him to 'eat less' greasy food.
为了保持健康，我决定每天晚上___。
To stay healthy, I decided to 'eat less' every night.
你最近胃口不好，是不是应该___一点？
You haven't had a good appetite recently, should you 'eat less'?
他因为血糖高，所以需要___甜食。
He needs to 'eat less' sweets because of high blood sugar.
为了节省开支，我们外出吃饭时都会___。
To save money, we 'eat less' when dining out.
为了身体健康，你应该___。
为了身体健康，你应该少吃油炸食品，因为油炸食品通常含有高脂肪和高热量，不利于健康。
如果想减肥，最好___。
如果想减肥，最好少吃夜宵，因为夜宵容易导致脂肪堆积。
医生建议糖尿病患者___。
医生建议糖尿病患者少吃甜食，因为甜食会使血糖升高。
为了保持身材，她决定少吃主食。
这句话是正确的，少吃主食是减肥的一种常见方法。
如果你感冒了，就应该多吃辛辣食物，少吃清淡食物。
如果你感冒了，应该多吃清淡食物，少吃辛辣食物，这样有助于身体恢复。
为了省钱，他每天都少吃一顿饭。
这句话是正确的，少吃一顿饭确实可以省钱，但长期下去可能不利于健康。
The doctor advised me to eat less sweets and exercise more.
To stay in shape, she decided to eat less for dinner.
If you want to lose weight, you should eat less fried food.
Read this aloud:
你最近是不是少吃了？看起来瘦了很多。
Focus: 少吃
You said:
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Read this aloud:
为了健康，我们都应该少吃加工食品。
Focus: 少吃加工食品
You said:
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Read this aloud:
他因为胃不舒服，所以这几天少吃清淡的食物。
Focus: 少吃清淡
You said:
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You're trying to eat less sugar. Write a short journal entry (3-4 sentences) about a challenge you faced today and how you dealt with it. Use '少吃'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今天我本来想少吃糖，但是我的同事给我带来了一个甜甜圈。这是一个挑战，因为我真的很想吃。最后，我只吃了一半，并且喝了一杯茶。我觉得自己做得很好。
Your friend is trying to lose weight. Write a text message (2-3 sentences) giving them advice, including '少吃'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
嘿，我知道你最近在减肥。我的建议是少吃油腻的食物，多吃蔬菜。祝你成功！
Describe a common New Year's resolution in China related to health and eating. Use '少吃' in your description (3-4 sentences).
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Sample answer
在中国，很多人会把新年决心定为更健康地生活。其中一个很普遍的决心就是少吃油炸食品和甜食。他们希望通过少吃不健康的食物来改善身体健康，并保持好身材。
根据短文，王先生为什么需要少吃肉？
Read this passage:
王先生最近身体不太好，医生建议他少吃肉，多吃蔬菜水果。但是王先生非常喜欢吃肉，觉得没有肉的饭菜就不好吃。他正在努力适应这种新的饮食习惯，希望身体能快点好起来。
根据短文，王先生为什么需要少吃肉？
短文中明确提到“医生建议他少吃肉，多吃蔬菜水果”。
短文中明确提到“医生建议他少吃肉，多吃蔬菜水果”。
小李的朋友建议他怎么做来改善睡眠和精神状态？
Read this passage:
小李觉得最近总是很困，工作效率也不高。他的朋友告诉他，可能是因为他晚上吃得太多了。朋友建议他晚上少吃一点，特别是睡前不要吃东西，这样会睡得更好，白天也更有精神。
小李的朋友建议他怎么做来改善睡眠和精神状态？
短文中提到“朋友建议他晚上少吃一点，特别是睡前不要吃东西”。
短文中提到“朋友建议他晚上少吃一点，特别是睡前不要吃东西”。
根据短文，少吃糖有哪些好处？
Read this passage:
很多研究表明，适量地少吃糖对身体健康有很多好处。例如，可以降低患糖尿病和心脏病的风险，还能帮助保持健康的体重。所以，即使你喜欢甜食，也应该尽量控制摄入量，做到少吃。
根据短文，少吃糖有哪些好处？
短文指出“可以降低患糖尿病和心脏病的风险，还能帮助保持健康的体重”。
短文指出“可以降低患糖尿病和心脏病的风险，还能帮助保持健康的体重”。
The correct order is Subject (医生) + Verb (建议) + Object (我) + Verb Phrase (少吃甜食).
The correct order is a Purpose Clause (为了健康) + Subject (我们) + Modal Verb (应该) + Verb Phrase (少吃油炸食品).
The correct order is a Conditional Clause (如果你想减肥) + Conjunction (就) + Modal Verb (得) + Verb (少吃).
为了保持身材，她决定每晚___甜食。
Context: To maintain her figure, she decided to eat less sweets every night. '少吃' (shǎochī) means 'to eat less'.
医生建议他___油腻的食物，以改善健康状况。
Context: The doctor advised him to eat less greasy food to improve his health. '少吃' (shǎochī) means 'to eat less'.
如果你想减肥，就必须___高热量的零食。
Context: If you want to lose weight, you must eat less high-calorie snacks. '少吃' (shǎochī) means 'to eat less'.
为了保护牙齿，孩子们应该___糖果和巧克力。
Context: To protect their teeth, children should eat less candy and chocolate. '少吃' (shǎochī) means 'to eat less'.
会议期间，他告诫大家___零食，保持专注。
Context: During the meeting, he admonished everyone to eat less snacks and stay focused. '少吃' (shǎochī) means 'to eat less'.
她决定___含咖啡因的饮料，改善睡眠质量。
Context: She decided to drink less caffeinated beverages to improve her sleep quality. While the word is '少喝' (shǎohē) for 'drink less', it demonstrates the same structure and meaning as '少吃'.
如果你想减肥，你应该___。
To lose weight, one should eat less sweets. '少吃' means to eat less.
医生建议他___，这样对健康更好。
Doctors usually recommend eating less greasy food for better health. '少吃' means to eat less.
为了环保，我们应该___。
Eating less fast food can contribute to environmental protection. '少吃' means to eat less.
如果你想保持健康，应该多吃蔬菜，少吃油炸食品。
This statement is true. Eating more vegetables and less fried food is beneficial for health.
在减脂期间，可以多吃甜点，少吃主食。
This statement is false. During fat loss, one should generally eat less dessert, not more, and maintain a balanced intake of staple foods.
为了缓解胃部不适，应该少吃刺激性食物。
This statement is true. Eating less irritating food can help alleviate stomach discomfort.
The speaker is talking about a doctor's advice.
The speaker is talking about someone's decision for health.
The speaker is giving advice about losing weight.
Read this aloud:
我应该少吃辣的食物吗？
Focus: 少吃 (shǎo chī)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
他每天都努力少吃，但效果不明显。
Focus: 不明显 (bù míng xiǎn)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
为了环保，我们应该少吃肉，多吃蔬菜。
Focus: 为了 (wèi le), 环保 (huán bǎo)
You said:
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Compose a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet while having a busy schedule. Integrate the phrase '少吃' (to eat less) naturally into your response.
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Sample answer
在现代快节奏的生活中，很多人都发现很难保持健康的饮食习惯。由于工作繁忙，我们经常没有时间准备营养餐，导致不健康的饮食选择。为了健康，我们应该尽量少吃加工食品，多吃新鲜蔬果。合理的时间管理是关键。
Imagine you are advising a friend who wants to lose weight. Write a few sentences suggesting practical steps they can take, including the advice to '少吃' (to eat less).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
如果你想减肥，我认为首先要从饮食入手。当然，适当的运动也很重要。但是，最关键的还是管住嘴，少吃油腻和高糖的食物。多喝水，多吃蔬菜水果，这样你会看到效果的。
Write a short blog post title and opening sentence (2-3 sentences) for a piece on mindful eating, emphasizing the benefits of '少吃' (to eat less) for overall well-being.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
正念饮食：从少吃开始。在快节奏的生活中，我们常常忽略了身体发出的信号。学会正念饮食，不仅仅是控制食量，更是倾听身体的需求，从而提升整体的幸福感。
根据这段文字，为了维持健康和预防疾病，医生主要建议人们怎么做？
Read this passage:
现代社会，人们越来越关注健康。除了规律的运动，合理的饮食结构也至关重要。医生建议，为了维持理想体重和预防慢性疾病，我们应该少吃高脂肪、高糖分的食物，多摄入蔬菜、水果和全谷物。这种饮食习惯不仅能改善身体机能，还能提升精神状态。
根据这段文字，为了维持健康和预防疾病，医生主要建议人们怎么做？
文章中明确指出“医生建议，为了维持理想体重和预防慢性疾病，我们应该少吃高脂肪、高糖分的食物”。
文章中明确指出“医生建议，为了维持理想体重和预防慢性疾病，我们应该少吃高脂肪、高糖分的食物”。
医生为什么建议小李“少吃”？
Read this passage:
小李最近总是感觉身体不适，去医院检查后，医生告诉他需要调整生活习惯。医生说：“你的饮食结构不够健康，尤其是宵夜吃得太多。为了你的健康，你必须少吃一些，并且尽量在晚上九点以后避免进食。” 小李听从了医生的建议，身体状况果然有所好转。
医生为什么建议小李“少吃”？
文中提到医生告诉小李“你的饮食结构不够健康，尤其是宵夜吃得太多”，所以建议他“少吃”。
文中提到医生告诉小李“你的饮食结构不够健康，尤其是宵夜吃得太多”，所以建议他“少吃”。
根据这段文字，关于“少吃”的理解，哪项是正确的？
Read this passage:
许多文化中都有“过犹不及”的哲学，这在饮食上尤其体现得淋漓尽致。即使是再健康的食物，如果过量食用，也可能对身体造成负担。因此，掌握适度原则，学会“少吃”而非“不吃”，是通往健康饮食的关键一步。这种平衡的饮食方式，不仅能让我们享受美食，也能保持身体的轻盈与活力。
根据这段文字，关于“少吃”的理解，哪项是正确的？
文章强调“学会‘少吃’而非‘不吃’，是通往健康饮食的关键一步”，表明“少吃”是适度原则。
文章强调“学会‘少吃’而非‘不吃’，是通往健康饮食的关键一步”，表明“少吃”是适度原则。
This sentence means 'The doctor advised him to eat less greasy food.' The structure follows subject-verb-object.
This sentence means 'You can only lose weight if you persist in eating less and exercising more.' The phrase '少吃多动' is a common idiom.
This sentence means 'Eating fewer snacks is good for your health.' '少吃点' means 'eat a little less'.
为了保持身材，她决定明天开始___油腻的食物。
The sentence implies a decision to reduce intake of greasy food to maintain figure, making '少吃' (eat less) the most appropriate choice.
医生建议我，如果想减轻体重，就应该___甜食。
To lose weight, it's generally advised to reduce consumption of sweets, so '少吃' (eat less) fits the context of the doctor's advice.
自从他开始___垃圾食品后，感觉身体轻松多了。
The sentence states that he feels lighter after starting to eat less junk food, making '少吃' (eat less) the correct choice.
为了健康着想，我们都应该___加工食品。
For health, it's recommended to reduce the intake of processed foods, thus '少吃' (eat less) is the appropriate word here.
如果你的胃不舒服，最好___辛辣的东西。
When experiencing stomach discomfort, it's best to reduce the consumption of spicy foods, so '少吃' (eat less) is the correct verb.
为了避免高血压，他努力___盐分。
To prevent high blood pressure, one should try to eat less salt, making '少吃' (eat less) the suitable option.
鉴于您最近的体检报告，医生强调您必须___，特别是高脂肪和高糖的食物，以改善您的健康状况。
根据句意，医生会建议病人为了健康而“少吃”某些食物。
面对日益严峻的全球粮食危机，我们每个人都应该反思自己的消费习惯，努力___，减少不必要的浪费。
考虑到粮食危机和减少浪费的语境，提倡“少吃”来避免浪费。
为了保持最佳的竞技状态，专业运动员在训练期间被严格要求___那些可能影响表现的垃圾食品。
运动员为了保持竞技状态，需要“少吃”垃圾食品。
当医生建议你“少吃”时，他是在鼓励你多摄入食物以增强体力。
“少吃”意味着减少食物摄入，与“多摄入食物以增强体力”的说法相悖。
在提倡健康饮食的语境中，“少吃”通常指的是减少不健康食物的摄入量，而不是完全不吃。
在健康饮食中，“少吃”确实强调的是适量减少不健康食物，而非完全禁止。
如果一个人为了减肥而“少吃”，他通常会感到饥饿。
为了减肥而减少食物摄入（少吃）确实可能导致饥饿感。
The doctor's advice about diet.
His decision for health.
A weight loss method.
Read this aloud:
少吃多餐有助于消化，对身体更好。
Focus: 少吃 (shǎo chī)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
我觉得我需要少吃一些零食，不然会发胖。
Focus: 发胖 (fā pàng)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
你最近是不是少吃了很多？看起来瘦了不少。
Focus: 瘦了不少 (shòu le bù shǎo)
You said:
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Compose a short essay (around 150-200 characters) discussing the psychological and physiological benefits of mindful eating and how practicing '少吃' (eating less) can contribute to overall well-being in a modern, often overindulgent, society. Include at least three concrete examples of how one might integrate '少吃' into daily routines.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在现代社会，过度饮食普遍，学会少吃对身心健康至关重要。从心理层面看，少吃能培养自律，减少因饱腹感带来的惰性，提升专注力。生理上，适量饮食有助于维持理想体重，降低慢性疾病风险，并能改善消化系统功能。例如，我们可以从减少零食摄入开始，或者在正餐时只吃八分饱。此外，细嚼慢咽，感受食物的味道，也能自然而然地达到少吃的目的。将少吃融入日常，是通向更健康生活方式的关键一步。
You are a health columnist. Write a persuasive article for a Chinese online magazine (approximately 200-250 characters) advocating for the practice of '少吃多动' (eat less, exercise more) as a sustainable and effective strategy for long-term weight management. Address common misconceptions about dieting and emphasize the importance of a balanced approach. Make sure to use the phrase '少吃' naturally.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
面对体重困扰，许多人盲目节食，效果往往适得其反。其实，长久而健康的体重管理之道在于“少吃多动”。“少吃”并非挨饿，而是科学地控制热量摄入，选择营养密集的食物，避免加工食品。同时，结合适度的体育锻炼，才能真正实现能量的负平衡。这种生活方式不仅能帮助我们摆脱体重困扰，还能显著提升整体健康水平，让身体充满活力。记住，健康不是一蹴而就，贵在坚持与平衡。
Imagine you are advising a friend who is struggling with overeating due to stress. Write a detailed email (around 180-220 characters) suggesting practical strategies to '少吃' (eat less) and manage stress simultaneously. Include advice on identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and fostering a healthier relationship with food. Use the term '少吃' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
亲爱的[朋友的名字]，我知道你最近压力大，容易暴饮暴食。其实，学会“少吃”是关键一步。首先，试着记录下你每次过度进食前的情绪和事件，这能帮你识别诱因。其次，找到替代性的减压方式，比如散步、听音乐或深呼吸，而不是食物。在饮食方面，我们可以尝试分餐、使用小盘子，并确保每餐都细嚼慢咽，这样大脑才有时间接收饱腹信号，自然就能少吃。建立健康的饮食习惯和情绪管理机制，会让你感觉更好。
根据文章，专家提倡“少吃”的主要目的是什么？
Read this passage:
近来，随着健康意识的提升，越来越多的人开始关注饮食习惯。有专家指出，现代社会许多疾病都与过度饮食有关，提倡“少吃”而非“不吃”，强调合理膳食结构和适量摄入的重要性。然而，如何做到科学地“少吃”，避免陷入节食误区，成为人们普遍关心的问题。
根据文章，专家提倡“少吃”的主要目的是什么？
文章明确指出，“现代社会许多疾病都与过度饮食有关”，并提倡“少吃”以“强调合理膳食结构和适量摄入的重要性”。因此，主要目的是为了改善健康状况，避免过度饮食带来的疾病。
文章明确指出，“现代社会许多疾病都与过度饮食有关”，并提倡“少吃”以“强调合理膳食结构和适量摄入的重要性”。因此，主要目的是为了改善健康状况，避免过度饮食带来的疾病。
文章中提到的“少吃多餐”的“少吃”具体指的是什么？
Read this passage:
许多研究表明，长期坚持“少吃多餐”的饮食模式，不仅有助于稳定血糖，还能提高新陈代谢率，从而有效地控制体重。但这种“少吃多餐”并非指无限量地增加餐次，而是将每日总热量合理分配到少量多次的进食中，确保每餐都保持在七八分饱的状态。
文章中提到的“少吃多餐”的“少吃”具体指的是什么？
文章明确解释，“这种‘少吃多餐’并非指无限量地增加餐次，而是将每日总热量合理分配到少量多次的进食中，确保每餐都保持在七八分饱的状态。”
文章明确解释，“这种‘少吃多餐’并非指无限量地增加餐次，而是将每日总热量合理分配到少量多次的进食中，确保每餐都保持在七八分饱的状态。”
根据文章，中国传统养生文化中的“节食”与现代医学提倡的“适量饮食”有何共同之处？
Read this passage:
在中国的传统养生文化中，“节食养生”的概念源远流长。这里的“节食”并非现代意义上的严格限制饮食，而是强调“少吃”，即在保证营养均衡的前提下，适度控制食量，避免暴饮暴食。古人认为，食不过饱，能使脾胃得养，身体轻健，思维敏捷。这与现代医学提倡的适量饮食有异曲同工之妙。
根据文章，中国传统养生文化中的“节食”与现代医学提倡的“适量饮食”有何共同之处？
文章指出，传统“节食”是“强调‘少吃’，即在保证营养均衡的前提下，适度控制食量，避免暴饮暴食”，并提到这与现代医学提倡的适量饮食“有异曲同工之妙”。
文章指出，传统“节食”是“强调‘少吃’，即在保证营养均衡的前提下，适度控制食量，避免暴饮暴食”，并提到这与现代医学提倡的适量饮食“有异曲同工之妙”。
This sentence discusses the importance of a balanced diet and eating less high-calorie food for a healthy lifestyle.
This sentence talks about the common challenge of avoiding sugary snacks during stressful periods.
This sentence highlights the growing importance of reducing red meat consumption to lower carbon emissions in the context of climate change.
/ 168 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
少吃 (shǎo chī) means 'to eat less' and is useful for talking about diet or reducing food consumption.
- Use to say 'eat less'.
- Common in health and diet contexts.
- Simple and direct.
Use with food-related verbs
Combine 少吃 with other verbs related to food, such as 少吃肉 (eat less meat) or 少吃甜点 (eat fewer desserts).
Expressing quantity reduction
When you want to express eating a smaller amount of something, 少吃 is the go-to phrase.
Implies a conscious effort
Using 少吃 often implies a deliberate choice to reduce consumption, perhaps for health reasons or weight management.
Opposite of 多吃 (duō chī)
Understand 少吃 by contrasting it with its opposite, 多吃 (duō chī), which means 'to eat more'. This helps reinforce the meaning.
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朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
