The main course is the most significant and substantial dish served in a meal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The main dish of a meal.
- Served after appetizers, before dessert.
- The most substantial and important part.
Overview
主菜（zhǔ cài）是中文里表示一餐中的主要部分，通常是正餐的“重头戏”。它在一顿饭的顺序中，一般位于开胃菜或汤之后，甜点之前。主菜的份量通常是最大的，也是最能体现厨师技艺和食材特色的部分，是食客用餐的重点。
在日常对话和餐饮语境中，“主菜”一词使用非常普遍。人们在点餐、讨论菜单、评价餐点时，经常会用到这个词。例如，在餐厅里，服务员会询问客人：“请问您今天想点什么主菜？”或者朋友聚会时，大家会讨论：“这家的主菜做得很有特色。”
**菜单设计**: 餐厅的菜单通常会明确标示出“主菜”部分，方便顾客浏览和选择。
配菜是搭配主菜一起上桌的副食品，如蔬菜、土豆泥等，用来补充主菜的不足或平衡口味，份量通常小于主菜。
正餐是一个更广泛的概念，指一日三餐中比较正式、丰盛的一餐，而主菜是正餐中的一个组成部分。
甜点是一餐的最后一道菜，通常是甜的，用来结束用餐，如蛋糕、冰淇淋等。
开胃菜是主菜之前的冷盘或小份菜肴，目的是刺激食欲，份量较小，口味通常比较清淡或酸辣。
Examples
今天的特色主菜是香煎三文鱼配时蔬。
everydayToday's special main course is pan-seared salmon with seasonal vegetables.
作为晚宴的主菜，厨师精心烹制了这道佛跳墙。
formalAs the main course of the banquet, the chef meticulously prepared this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.
我不太饿，只想点个主菜尝尝。
informalI'm not very hungry, I just want to order a main course to try.
研究表明，均衡膳食的主菜应包含足量的蛋白质和蔬菜。
academicResearch indicates that the main course of a balanced diet should include sufficient protein and vegetables.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
今天的特色主菜
today's special main course
请问您要点什么主菜？
What main course would you like to order?
这道菜是我们的招牌主菜。
This dish is our signature main course.
Often Confused With
主食 (zhǔ shí) refers to staple foods like rice, noodles, or bread that provide carbohydrates. 主菜 (zhǔ cài) is the main savory dish, often protein-based, served alongside or after appetizers and before dessert.
配菜 (pèi cài) are side dishes, like vegetables or potatoes, that complement the main course. The 主菜 (zhǔ cài) is the central and most substantial item on the plate.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '主菜' (zhǔ cài) is fundamental when discussing meals, especially in restaurant settings. It specifically refers to the primary savory dish. Be mindful not to confuse it with '主食' (zhǔ shí), which means staple food like rice or noodles.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '主菜' (main dish) with '主食' (staple food). Ensure you understand that the former is the central savory item, while the latter provides carbohydrates.
Tips
Identify the main dish
Look for the most prominent and filling item on the menu or plate.
Don't confuse with main staple
主菜 (zhǔ cài) is the main dish, while 主食 (zhǔ shí) refers to staple foods like rice or noodles.
Cultural dining order
In many cultures, the main course is the centerpiece of the meal, showcasing the best ingredients and preparation.
Word Origin
The word '主菜' is a straightforward combination. '主' (zhǔ) means 'main' or 'primary', and '菜' (cài) means 'dish' or 'vegetable'. Together, they clearly signify the main dish.
Cultural Context
In Chinese dining culture, the main course often reflects the host's generosity and the occasion's importance. While Western meals often have a single, distinct main course, Chinese banquets might feature several dishes that could be considered main courses, showcasing a variety of flavors and ingredients.
Memory Tip
Think of '主' (zhǔ) as 'master' or 'main', and '菜' (cài) as 'dish'. So, 主菜 is the 'master dish' or the main dish of your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“硬菜”是一个比较口语化的说法，通常指那些用料比较实在、烹饪时间较长、口味浓郁、价格相对较高的菜肴，比如红烧肉、狮子头等。很多时候，“硬菜”也可以是主菜，但主菜不一定都是“硬菜”，它也可以是比较清淡或精致的菜肴。
通常一顿饭只有一个主菜，尤其是在西餐的传统顺序中。但在一些中餐的宴席或家庭聚餐中，可能会有多道被视为“主菜”的菜肴，以满足不同人的口味和偏好。
不一定。虽然很多主菜是肉类、禽类或海鲜，但蔬菜、豆制品等也可以作为主菜，尤其是在素食餐点中。关键在于它是一餐中最重要、最能占据核心地位的菜肴。
不是。主食（如米饭、面条、馒头）是提供能量的主要碳水化合物来源，通常会和主菜一起食用。主菜则是指菜肴本身，是餐桌上的焦点。
Test Yourself
这道烤羊排是今晚的______，非常美味。
烤羊排通常是餐中最重要、最丰盛的一道菜，符合主菜的定义。
“主菜”在一次用餐中通常指什么？
主菜是一餐中的核心部分，通常在开胃菜之后、甜点之前供应，份量和重要性都最高。
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____。
这是一个描述点餐情况的简单句子，符合语法和语境。
Score: /3
Summary
The main course is the most significant and substantial dish served in a meal.
- The main dish of a meal.
- Served after appetizers, before dessert.
- The most substantial and important part.
Identify the main dish
Look for the most prominent and filling item on the menu or plate.
Don't confuse with main staple
主菜 (zhǔ cài) is the main dish, while 主食 (zhǔ shí) refers to staple foods like rice or noodles.
Cultural dining order
In many cultures, the main course is the centerpiece of the meal, showcasing the best ingredients and preparation.
Examples
4 of 4今天的特色主菜是香煎三文鱼配时蔬。
Today's special main course is pan-seared salmon with seasonal vegetables.
作为晚宴的主菜，厨师精心烹制了这道佛跳墙。
As the main course of the banquet, the chef meticulously prepared this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.
我不太饿，只想点个主菜尝尝。
I'm not very hungry, I just want to order a main course to try.
研究表明，均衡膳食的主菜应包含足量的蛋白质和蔬菜。
Research indicates that the main course of a balanced diet should include sufficient protein and vegetables.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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一两
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一口
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