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A2 verb #4,500 most common 10 min read

开饭

kaifan Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 开饭 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 开饭 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '开饭' (kāifàn) as a fixed phrase that means 'The food is ready!' or 'It's time to eat!' It is one of the most useful phrases for daily life. You don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that when you hear someone shout '开饭了!' (kāifàn le!), it means you should go to the table. In Chinese, '开' means open/start and '饭' means meal/rice. Think of it as 'opening' the kitchen for business. You can use it at home with your friends or family. It is a very friendly and warm word. When you want to tell your friends that the dinner you cooked is ready, just say '开饭了!'. It is much more natural than saying 'The food is finished' in Chinese. At this level, focus on the sound and the 'le' at the end, which shows the meal is ready now.

At the A2 level, you begin to understand that '开饭' is a verb-object structure. You can use it in simple sentences to describe schedules. For example, 'We eat at 7:00' can be '我们七点开饭'. You should distinguish it from '吃饭' (chīfàn). While '吃饭' is the general act of eating, '开饭' is the specific moment the meal starts or the food is served. You will often see it used in the context of canteens or schools. You should also learn the negative form: '还没开饭' (hái méi kāifàn), which means 'The meal isn't served yet.' This level requires you to use the word to describe daily routines and to understand its use as an announcement in a household. You are moving beyond just hearing the word to using it to organize group activities.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '开饭' in more complex sentence structures, such as using it as a noun-like event. For instance, 'Waiting for the meal to start' is '等待开饭'. You should also understand the cultural implications of the word—how it signals a communal gathering. You can use it in narratives to set a scene, such as describing a busy canteen or a family gathering. At this level, you should also be aware of the register. '开饭' is informal. If you are writing a formal story or a report about a restaurant, you might use '供应午餐' (gōngyìng wǔcān - supply lunch) instead. However, in dialogue, '开饭' remains the most authentic choice. You should also start noticing how it is used in media, like TV shows, to transition between scenes of preparation and scenes of conversation.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of '开饭' in different social contexts. You understand that it is a 'separable verb' (离合词), although it is rarely separated in practice. You can use it to discuss social issues, such as the 'communal canteen' (大食堂) culture in Chinese history, where '开饭' was a central administrative event. You should be able to contrast it with formal terms like '用餐' or '进餐' in your writing to show a mastery of register. You might also use it metaphorically or in more idiomatic ways in specific dialects, though the standard meaning remains dominant. Your ability to use '开饭' should now include the ability to explain the term to others, noting its focus on the collective rather than the individual.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '开饭' includes its sociolinguistic depth. You recognize it as a marker of 'home' and 'belonging.' You can analyze how the phrase has changed from a literal announcement in agricultural societies (where a bell might ring) to its use in modern high-paced urban environments. You should be able to use it in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere—perhaps the nostalgia of childhood or the chaos of a factory floor. You are also aware of regional variations in how meals are announced. At this level, you can discuss the word's relationship with Chinese hospitality and the 'face' culture involved in serving guests. You understand that while the word is simple, its correct application reflects a deep immersion in Chinese social life.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '开饭'. You understand its place in the broader history of the Chinese language, including its evolution from earlier forms of meal announcements. You can use it with perfect tone and timing in any social situation, knowing exactly when it adds warmth and when it might be too casual. You can discuss the word's appearance in literature (such as the works of Lu Xun or Mo Yan) to describe the struggles or joys of the common people. You are capable of identifying subtle shades of meaning when the word is used ironically or in slang. For you, '开饭' is not just a vocabulary item but a cultural symbol of the 'hearth' and the collective spirit that defines much of Chinese social structure.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

开饭 in 30 Seconds

Used to announce that a meal is ready and it's time for everyone to gather and eat together.
Commonly heard in households, school canteens, and workplaces to signal the start of food service.
A verb-object compound that functions as a group-oriented signal rather than an individual's action of eating.
Distinct from 'chī fàn' (to eat) because it focuses on the commencement and the serving of the meal.

The Chinese term 开饭 (kāifàn) is a quintessential daily expression that translates literally to "open meal" or "start the meal." While its basic definition is straightforward, its usage carries deep cultural resonance in Chinese households, schools, and workplaces. It is primarily used as a functional announcement to signal that food is ready and it is time for everyone to gather at the table. Unlike the more general verb 吃饭 (chīfàn), which simply means "to eat," 开饭 specifically denotes the moment of transition from preparation to consumption. It is the verbal equivalent of a dinner bell being rung in a traditional Western farmhouse.

The Functional Context: In a domestic setting, the person who has prepared the meal—often the mother, father, or grandparent—will shout "开饭了!" (Kāifàn le!) to summon family members from other rooms. It implies that the dishes are set, the rice is scooped, and the heat of the food is at its peak. In a professional or institutional setting, such as a construction site, a school cafeteria, or a military barracks, it refers to the specific window of time when the kitchen begins serving food to the collective group.
The Linguistic Structure: The word is a verb-object compound. 开 (kāi) means to open, to start, or to initiate. 饭 (fàn) means cooked rice or, by extension, a meal. Together, they form a separable verb, though they are most commonly used together as a set phrase. You will rarely see other words inserted between them in common speech, unlike other separable verbs like 睡觉 (shuìjiào).

别玩游戏了，快来准备，马上就要开饭了！(Bié wán yóuxì le, kuài lái zhǔnbèi, mǎshàng jiù yào kāifàn le!) — Stop playing games, come get ready, we are about to start the meal!

A common household command used by parents.

The word also carries a sense of communal harmony. In Chinese culture, sharing a meal is the primary way to build and maintain relationships. Therefore, the act of "opening the meal" is not just about nutrition; it is about the commencement of social interaction. When someone says "开饭," they are inviting others into a shared space. It is informal and warm. You wouldn't typically hear this in a high-end, formal banquet where a waiter might say "请用餐" (Qǐng yòngcán - Please enjoy your meal), but in any setting where there is a sense of community or family, 开饭 is the standard.

食堂十一点半准时开饭。(Shítáng shíyī diǎn bàn zhǔnshí kāifàn.) — The cafeteria starts serving meals at 11:30 sharp.

Finally, it is worth noting that 开饭 is almost always used in the present or near-future tense. Because it describes the initiation of an event, it is rarely used to describe a meal that happened a long time ago in a narrative sense, unless you are specifically focusing on the moment it began. It is a word of action, anticipation, and togetherness.

Using 开饭 correctly requires understanding its role as an intransitive verb that functions as a complete announcement or a descriptive time-marker. It does not usually take a direct object because the "object" (饭) is already built into the word. You wouldn't say "开饭面条" (start meal noodles); instead, you just say "开饭" and everyone knows what is being served.

Pattern 1: The Announcement: The most common use is the simple exclamation: "开饭了!" The particle "了" (le) here indicates a change of state—the food was being cooked, and now it is ready. This is used in homes, dormitories, and small offices.
Pattern 2: Scheduling: When talking about when a canteen or restaurant begins its service, use: [Place] + [Time] + 开饭. For example, "学校餐厅六点开饭" (The school canteen starts the meal at six).

我们家通常晚上七点才开饭。(Wǒmen jiā tōngcháng wǎnshàng qī diǎn cái kāifàn.) — Our family usually doesn't start dinner until 7 PM.

Another important aspect is the use of auxiliary verbs. You can use "准备" (zhǔnbèi - prepare) or "等" (děng - wait) with 开饭. For instance, "大家都在等开饭" (Everyone is waiting for the meal to start). This shows that the word acts as a noun-like event in certain contexts, even though its primary grammatical function is a verb.

快洗手，要开饭了！(Kuài xǐshǒu, yào kāifàn le!) — Wash your hands quickly, the meal is about to start!

In more descriptive sentences, you might see it used to describe the atmosphere of a place. "工地上到处是等待开饭的工人们" (The construction site was full of workers waiting for the meal to be served). Here, it functions as part of a descriptive phrase. Note how it emphasizes the collective nature of the meal—it’s not just one person eating, but the 'opening' of the food service for the group.

Negation: To say a meal isn't ready yet, you use "还没" (hái méi). Example: "还没开饭呢，再等十分钟" (The meal isn't served yet, wait another ten minutes).

If you live in China or spend time with a Chinese family, 开饭 is a word you will hear every single day. Its frequency is highest in domestic and communal living environments. Understanding where and how it is spoken will give you a better grasp of Chinese social rhythm.

In the Family Home: The most iconic use is the 'call to dinner.' In a typical Chinese apartment, the kitchen is often separated from the living areas. When the final dish (often a soup or a stir-fry) is plated, the cook will shout "开饭了!" This is the signal for children to stop doing homework, for adults to put down their phones, and for everyone to help bring the bowls and chopsticks to the table.
In School and Work Canteens: For students living in dorms or workers in factories, the '开饭时间' (kāifàn shíjiān - meal start time) is a crucial part of the daily schedule. You might hear someone ask, "几点开饭?" (Jǐ diǎn kāifàn? - What time does the meal start/the canteen open?). It refers to the moment the shutters of the food service counter are lifted.

爷爷在阳台喊道：“孩子们，开饭喽！” (Yéye zài yángtái hǎndào: “Háizimen, kāifàn lou!”) — Grandpa shouted from the balcony: “Kids, it's time to eat!”

You will also hear this word in military or group camping contexts. In these high-discipline environments, "开饭" is a command. It is the official start of a structured period of time. In movies depicting the 1950s-70s era of communal dining in China (the People's Communes), 开饭 was a central event of the day, often signaled by a whistle or a bell.

In modern urban life, even though people order more takeout (外卖 - wàimài), the word hasn't disappeared. When the delivery driver arrives and the food is laid out on the coffee table, a roommate might still say "开饭吧" (Let's start the meal) to indicate that the preparation phase (unpacking the boxes) is over and the eating phase has begun.

别忙了，先开饭，吃完再做。(Bié máng le, xiān kāifàn, chī wán zài zuò.) — Don't be so busy, let's eat first, and finish the work after.

While 开饭 is a relatively simple A2-level word, English speakers often make specific errors based on direct translation or confusion with similar-sounding terms. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more natural.

Mistake 1: Using it for 'to eat': A common error is saying "我在开饭" (Wǒ zài kāifàn) to mean "I am eating." This is incorrect. 开饭 refers to the start or the serving of a meal. If you are already in the process of chewing and swallowing, you must use 吃饭 (chīfàn).
Mistake 2: Adding a specific food as an object: You cannot say "开饭面条" (kāifàn miàntiáo) for "start eating noodles." The 'fàn' in 'kāifàn' is already the object. If you want to specify the food, you should say "面条好了，开饭吧!" (The noodles are ready, let's start the meal!).

❌ 我刚才在开饭。(Wǒ gāngcái zài kāifàn.)
✅ 我刚才在吃饭。(Wǒ gāngcái zài chīfàn.)

Incorrect use of 'kāifàn' to describe the ongoing act of eating.

Another mistake involves the level of formality. 开饭 is informal and communal. You should avoid using it in a formal business dinner when inviting a client to start eating. In that case, use "请慢用" (Qǐng mànyòng - Please enjoy) or "请用餐" (Qǐng yòngcán). Using 开饭 in a high-stakes business setting might make you sound like a canteen worker or a parent, which could be perceived as slightly too casual.

❌ 餐厅已经开饭了，我们去吧。(Correct grammar, but slightly odd if it's a fancy restaurant.)
✅ 餐厅开始营业了/可以点菜了。(More natural for a commercial restaurant.)

Lastly, don't confuse 开饭 with 做饭 (zuòfàn - to cook). While both involve 'fàn', 做饭 is the labor that happens in the kitchen, and 开饭 is the happy result when that labor is finished. If you say "我要去开饭" when you actually mean you are going to cook, people will be disappointed when they realize the food isn't ready yet!

To truly master 开饭, you must see where it sits in the landscape of Chinese 'eating' vocabulary. There are several words that overlap in meaning but differ in tone and specific application.

吃饭 (chī fàn): Meaning: To eat a meal.
Comparison: This is the most general term. While '开饭' is the starting gun, '吃饭' is the entire race. You can say 'I like eating' (我喜欢吃饭), but you can't say 'I like starting the meal' (我喜欢开饭) in the same way.
用餐 (yòng cān): Meaning: To have a meal (formal).
Comparison: This is the 'polite' version. You will see this on signs in hotels or hear it from flight attendants. '开饭' is what you say to your brother; '用餐' is what a waiter says to a guest.
进餐 (jìn cān): Meaning: To dine / to consume food.
Comparison: Very formal and often used in medical or academic writing (e.g., 'Do not exercise after dining'). You would never shout '进餐了!' to your family.

开饭 (Informal/Communal) vs. 用餐 (Formal/Service-oriented)

There is also the term 动筷子 (dòng kuàizi), which literally means "move the chopsticks." This is a more traditional and polite way to initiate eating, especially when you are waiting for an elder to start first. While "开饭了" means the food is ready, "大家动筷子吧" (Everyone, let's move our chopsticks) is the actual permission to start putting food in your mouth.

In some dialects, especially in Northern China, you might hear 开席 (kāixí). This specifically refers to the start of a formal banquet or a wedding feast. It is much grander than a simple '开饭'. If '开饭' is a family dinner, '开席' is a 12-course wedding gala.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, the 'opening' of a meal in a palace or noble house was a complex ceremony involving music and specific protocols, far from the simple shout used today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaɪ fæn/

US /kaɪ fæn/

The emphasis is slightly more on the second syllable 'fàn' when making an announcement.

Rhymes With

猜饭 (cāi fàn) 拍饭 (pāi fàn) 该饭 (gāi fàn) 山 (shān) 看 (kàn) 慢 (màn) 站 (zhàn) 半 (bàn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kāi' as 'kay' (should be 'k-eye').
Pronouncing 'fàn' as 'fon' (should be 'fan' like the cooling device).
Using the wrong tones (kāi is 1st tone, high and level; fàn is 4th tone, sharp falling).
Mumbling the 'n' at the end of 'fàn'.
Treating it as one word without a tonal break.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are simple and common at the A2 level.

Writing 3/5

Writing '开' is easy, but '饭' requires practice with the food radical.

Speaking 2/5

The tones are distinct (1 and 4), making it easy to say clearly.

Listening 1/5

It is a very common shout in Chinese households.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

开 (kāi) 饭 (fàn) 吃 (chī) 了 (le)

Learn Next

做饭 (zuòfàn) 洗碗 (xǐwǎn) 菜单 (càidān) 味道 (wèidào)

Advanced

筵席 (yánxí) 饕餮 (tāotiè) 膳食 (shànshí)

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs (离合词)

开过饭了 (kāi guo fàn le - have already started the meal).

The particle '了' for change of state

开饭了！ (It is now mealtime!)

Time words placement

我们六点开饭。 (We start the meal at six.)

Using '准备' as an auxiliary

妈妈准备开饭。 (Mom is preparing to start the meal.)

Negation with '还没'

还没开饭。 (Not yet mealtime.)

Examples by Level

开饭了！

Dinner is ready!

The 'le' indicates a change of state (food is now ready).

妈妈，什么时候开饭？

Mom, when is dinner?

Simple question structure.

快点，开饭了。

Hurry up, it's time to eat.

Imperative use with 'kuài diǎn'.

我们开饭吧。

Let's start the meal.

'Ba' indicates a suggestion.

老师说，开饭了。

The teacher said it's mealtime.

Simple reported speech.

太好了，开饭了！

Great, it's time to eat!

Expressing excitement.

还没开饭。

It's not mealtime yet.

Negative form with 'hái méi'.

爸爸在喊：“开饭！”

Dad is shouting: 'Dinner's ready!'

Using 'hǎn' (to shout).

学校食堂中午十二点开饭。

The school canteen starts serving at 12:00 PM.

Specifying time and place.

洗完手就开饭。

We'll eat as soon as you wash your hands.

Using 'jiù' to show immediate sequence.

今天我们晚一点儿开饭。

We are starting the meal a bit later today.

Comparative 'yì diǎnr'.

他们每天准时开饭。

They start their meals on time every day.

Adverb 'zhǔnshí' (on time).

你要等大家到齐了再开饭。

You need to wait until everyone is here to start the meal.

Using 'zài' for conditional sequence.

工厂几点开饭？

What time does the factory serve meals?

Question about routine.

闻到香味就知道要开饭了。

I know it's time to eat when I smell the aroma.

Cause and effect with 'jiù'.

别看书了，准备开饭。

Stop reading, get ready for dinner.

Imperative 'bié...le'.

全家人都在客厅等候开饭。

The whole family is in the living room waiting for the meal to start.

Using 'kāifàn' as a noun-like event for 'děnghòu'.

虽然菜还没齐，但可以先开饭了。

Although not all the dishes are out, we can start the meal.

Conjunction 'suīrán...dàn'.

每当开饭的时候，这里都非常热闹。

Whenever it's mealtime, this place is very lively.

'...de shíhou' used for recurring events.

他顾不上开饭，还在实验室忙碌。

He couldn't manage to eat; he was still busy in the lab.

'Gù bù shàng' (cannot attend to).

在那家酒店，开饭前会有小表演。

In that hotel, there is a small performance before the meal starts.

'Kāifàn qián' (before the meal).

由于停电，餐厅推迟了开饭时间。

Due to a power outage, the restaurant delayed the meal time.

Using 'tuīchí' (to delay).

邻居家的开饭声总是很大。

The sounds of the neighbors starting their meal are always loud.

Possessive 'de' with 'shēng' (sound).

为了能早点开饭，大家都在帮忙。

To start the meal earlier, everyone is helping out.

'Wèile' (in order to) purpose clause.

在那个年代，开饭的钟声就是最高统帅。

In those years, the dinner bell was the supreme commander.

Metaphorical use in historical context.

这种大锅饭通常是集体开饭。

This kind of communal meal is usually served collectively.

Technical term 'jítǐ' (collective).

他习惯于在开饭前先喝一杯茶。

He is accustomed to having a cup of tea before the meal starts.

'Xíguàn yú' (be accustomed to).

如果再不来，我们可就要开饭了。

If you don't come soon, we're going to start eating without you.

Conditional 'rúguǒ...jiù'.

军营里的开饭纪律非常严格。

The discipline for starting meals in the barracks is very strict.

Noun phrase 'kāifàn jìlǜ'.

开饭的瞬间，所有的疲劳都消失了。

The moment the meal started, all fatigue vanished.

Using 'shùnjiān' (instant/moment).

他负责通知大家开饭的具体地点。

He is responsible for informing everyone of the specific location for the meal.

'Fùzé' (be responsible for).

与其等他们，不如我们先开饭吧。

Rather than waiting for them, we might as well start eating first.

'Yǔqí...bùrú' (rather than... better to).

开饭不仅仅是填饱肚子，更是一种家庭仪式。

Starting a meal is not just about filling the stomach; it's a family ritual.

'Bù jǐnjǐn shì... gèng shì' (Not only... but also).

在这部小说中，‘开饭’象征着某种暂时的和平。

In this novel, 'starting the meal' symbolizes a kind of temporary peace.

Literary analysis vocabulary 'xiàngzhēng' (symbolize).

每逢佳节，开饭的场面总是格外壮观。

On every festive occasion, the scene of starting the meal is exceptionally grand.

'Měiféng' (whenever there is) and 'zhuàngguān' (grand).

这种‘准时开饭’的传统在现代都市已不多见。

This tradition of 'starting meals on time' is rarely seen in modern cities.

'Yǐ bù duō jiàn' (is no longer common).

他用一声洪亮的‘开饭’打破了屋内的沉寂。

He broke the silence in the room with a thunderous 'Dinner's ready!'.

Descriptive 'hóngliàng' (sonorous) and 'chénjì' (silence).

食堂管理员正在调整开饭的供应流程。

The canteen manager is adjusting the meal service workflow.

Formal business/administrative vocabulary.

开饭时的喧哗声是这个村庄最具生命力的音符。

The clamor at mealtime is the most vital note of this village.

Metaphorical language 'shēngmìnglì' (vitality).

不论环境多么恶劣，他们依然坚持准时开饭。

No matter how harsh the environment, they still insist on starting meals on time.

'Bùlùn...yīrán' (No matter... still).

‘开饭’二字，在饥荒年代承载了多少生存的渴望。

The two words 'kāi fàn' carried so much longing for survival during the famine years.

Deep emotional and historical context.

这种社交礼仪在‘开饭’的瞬间得到了最充分的体现。

This social etiquette is most fully embodied at the moment the meal begins.

'Tǐxiàn' (embody/reflect).

从‘开饭’的呼唤声中，可以窥见中国家庭权力的微观结构。

From the call to start a meal, one can glimpse the micro-structure of power in Chinese families.

Sociological analysis 'kuījiàn' (glimpse).

他将‘开饭’视作一天中神圣不可侵犯的时刻。

He regarded the start of the meal as a sacred and inviolable moment of the day.

'Shénshèng bùkě qīnfàn' (sacred and inviolable).

文学作品往往通过描写开饭前的琐碎来铺垫高潮。

Literary works often build up to a climax by describing the trivialities before a meal starts.

Narrative technique 'pūdiàn' (foreshadow/lay groundwork).

在集体主义语境下，‘开饭’是一种对分配权的服从。

In a collectivist context, 'starting the meal' is a form of obedience to distribution rights.

Political/Philosophical discourse.

那声‘开饭’，穿越了时空，依然在他耳畔回响。

That call of 'Dinner's ready!', transcending time and space, still echoes in his ears.

Poetic and evocative structure.

这种以‘开饭’为轴心的生活方式正在悄然发生变迁。

This lifestyle centered around 'mealtime' is quietly undergoing a transformation.

'Zhǒuxīn' (axis/center) and 'biànqiān' (transition).

Common Collocations

准时开饭

准备开饭

还没开饭

开饭时间

等开饭

集体开饭

喊开饭

推迟开饭

开饭铃

轮流开饭

Common Phrases

开饭了！

— The standard announcement that the meal is ready.

开饭了！快来坐！

什么时候开饭？

— Asking for the time the meal will be served.

我饿极了，什么时候开饭？

等开饭。

— Waiting for the meal to start.

我们都在这儿等开饭呢。

准备开饭。

— Getting things ready for the meal to start.

帮我拿一下碗筷，准备开饭。

还没开饭呢。

— The meal is not served yet.

再等一下，还没开饭呢。

开饭时间到了。

— It is now the scheduled time for the meal.

开饭时间到了，大家排好队。

准时开饭。

— Starting the meal exactly at the scheduled time.

军营里必须准时开饭。

先开饭吧。

— Suggesting to start the meal now.

他不回来了，我们先开饭吧。

忙着开饭。

— Being busy with the preparations to start the meal.

全家人都在忙着开饭。

开饭的香味。

— The smell that indicates a meal is about to start.

空气中飘着开饭的香味。

Often Confused With

开饭 vs 吃饭 (chī fàn)

Chī fàn is the general act of eating; Kāi fàn is the specific start/announcement.

开饭 vs 做饭 (zuò fàn)

Zuò fàn is cooking; Kāi fàn is when the cooking is done and serving begins.

开饭 vs 开会 (kāi huì)

Kāi huì is starting a meeting. They share 'kāi' (start), but the objects are different.

Idioms & Expressions

"大锅饭"

— Literally 'big pot rice,' it refers to communal dining or an egalitarian system where everyone gets the same regardless of effort.

我们不能再吃大锅饭了，要提高效率。

Metaphorical/Political

"家常便饭"

— Simple home cooking; something that is very common or a routine occurrence.

加班对他来说已经是家常便饭了。

Common Idiom

"残茶剩饭"

— Leftovers; the remains of a meal.

桌上只剩下些残茶剩饭。

Literary

"粗茶淡饭"

— Simple, plain food; often used to describe a humble lifestyle.

虽然只有粗茶淡饭，但他们过得很开心。

Literary/Humble

"酒足饭饱"

— To be fully satisfied after a meal with plenty of food and drink.

客人们都酒足饭饱地离开了。

Neutral

"茶余饭后"

— Leisure time after meals; often used to describe gossip or casual conversation.

这是人们茶余饭后的谈资。

Common Idiom

"不思饮食"

— To have no appetite, usually due to sadness or illness.

他因为忧虑而变得不思饮食。

Formal

"锦衣玉食"

— Exquisite clothes and fine food; a luxurious lifestyle.

他从小就过着锦衣玉食的生活。

Literary

"饥不择食"

— When one is hungry, one doesn't pick and choose food; also used for being desperate.

他在困境中简直是饥不择食。

Common Idiom

"废寝忘食"

— To neglect sleep and forget to eat; to be completely absorbed in something.

他为了写完这本书，简直到了废寝忘食的地步。

Common Idiom

Easily Confused

开饭 vs 吃饭

Both involve 'fàn' and eating.

Kāi fàn is the signal or the start of the service for a group. Chī fàn is the physical act of eating food. You can say 'I am chī fàn-ing' but not 'I am kāi fàn-ing'.

大家都在吃饭，因为刚才开饭了。

开饭 vs 做饭

Both involve 'fàn' and the kitchen.

Zuò fàn is the labor of cooking (verb). Kāi fàn is the announcement that the labor is over and the food is ready (verb/event).

我做完饭了，现在开饭！

开饭 vs 用餐

Both mean 'to have a meal'.

Yòng cān is formal and polite, used in restaurants or business. Kāi fàn is casual and communal, used at home or in canteens.

在家里我们说‘开饭’，在酒店服务员说‘用餐’。

开饭 vs 开席

Both mean 'to start a meal'.

Kāi xí is specifically for a grand banquet or a formal feast with many tables. Kāi fàn is for daily, routine meals.

婚礼开席了，非常热闹。

开饭 vs 进餐

Both refer to the event of eating.

Jìn cān is a very formal, almost clinical or literary term. Kāi fàn is spoken and natural.

医生建议术后两小时再进餐。

Sentence Patterns

[Someone] 喊开饭了。

奶奶喊开饭了。

[Time] 开饭。

中午十二点开饭。

要 [Action] 了再开饭。

要洗了手再开饭。

等 [Someone] [Action] 就开饭。

等爸爸下班就开饭。

正在忙着 [Action] 开饭。

正在忙着准备开饭。

与其 [Action], 不如开饭。

与其在这儿等，不如先开饭。

随着一声 [Word], [Action]。

随着一声开饭，大家坐了下来。

[Word] 承载着 [Concept]。

开饭承载着家庭的温暖。

Word Family

Nouns

饭馆 (fànguǎn - restaurant)

饭盒 (fànhé - lunch box)

饭局 (fànjú - dinner party)

Verbs

吃饭 (chīfàn - to eat)

做饭 (zuòfàn - to cook)

要饭 (yàofàn - to beg for food)

Adjectives

饭后 (fànhòu - post-meal)

饭前 (fànqián - pre-meal)

餐厅 (cāntīng)

食堂 (shítáng)

厨师 (chúshī)

筷子 (kuàizi)

碗 (wǎn)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily spoken Mandarin.

Common Mistakes

我在开饭。 → 我在吃饭。
You cannot use '开饭' to describe the continuous act of eating. It only refers to the start.
我们要开饭面条。 → 面条好了，开饭吧。
'开饭' is a complete verb-object phrase and cannot take another object like 'noodles'.
他正在开饭。 (Meaning: He is cooking.) → 他正在做饭。
'开饭' is serving/starting, '做饭' is the actual cooking process.
请开饭。 (To a business client.) → 请用餐。
'开饭' is too informal for a formal business dinner.
开饭时间是十二点。 (In a very high-end hotel.) → 供餐时间是十二点。
In high-end service, '供餐' (gōngcān) or '营业时间' (yíngyè shíjiān) is more professional.

Tips

Wait for the Elders

Even after someone yells '开饭了!', it is polite to wait for the eldest person at the table to pick up their chopsticks first.

The 'Le' Particle

Always use '了' (le) when you are announcing the meal is ready *now*. '开饭了' is much more common than just '开饭'.

The Loud Call

Don't be afraid to be loud. '开饭' is meant to be heard across a house or a hall.

Canteen Signs

Look for '开饭时间' on signs in Chinese schools or factories to know when to get in line.

Verb-Object Logic

Remember that '饭' is already the object. You don't need to add another object after it.

Tone Accuracy

Focus on the drop in pitch for 'fàn'. If you say it with a flat tone, it might be misunderstood.

Helping Out

When someone calls '开饭', it’s a great social cue to offer help with the dishes or bowls.

Not 'Cook'

Never use '开饭' when you mean 'to cook'. Use '做饭' for the cooking part.

Time Matters

Use it to describe when a service begins, not just the act of eating.

Open the Food

Think of 'Kāi' as 'Opening' the lid of a pot to let the 'Fàn' out.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a giant **K**ey **AI** (Kāi) opening a massive **FAN** (fàn) made of rice. When the fan opens, the meal starts!

Visual Association

Picture a traditional Chinese dinner bell or a steaming bowl of rice with a 'START' button on it.

Word Web

Rice Kitchen Start Family Shout Chopsticks Canteen Hungry

Challenge

Try to announce '开饭了!' next time you serve food to friends, ensuring you hit the high 1st tone on 'Kāi' and the falling 4th tone on 'fàn'.

Word Origin

The phrase '开饭' is composed of two ancient characters. '开' (kāi) originally depicted two hands opening a gate. '饭' (fàn) is a phono-semantic compound with '饣' (food) and '反' (phonetic), meaning cooked grain.

Original meaning: The combination literally means 'to open the meal,' likely originating from the action of opening a food container or a kitchen door.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

It is a very safe, neutral-to-warm word. However, using it to a superior might be seen as slightly too informal unless you are the one providing the food.

The closest equivalent is 'Dinner's ready!' or 'Soup's on!', but '开饭' is more versatile as it applies to any meal and any group setting.

Seen in many 'Slice of Life' Chinese anime (Donghua) where the mother calls the protagonist. Commonly used in 'Eating Shows' (Mukbang) as a catchphrase to start the video. Found in historical novels to describe the rigid schedules of the military.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

开饭了！
快来开饭。
今天几点开饭？
等爸爸回来再开饭。

At a School Canteen

食堂开饭了。
开饭时间到。
还没开饭呢。
去等开饭。

At a Construction Site/Factory

准备开饭。
集体开饭。
赶紧开饭。
开饭铃响了。

With Friends (Takeout)

外卖到了，开饭！
先开饭吧。
准备开饭了。
开饭开饭！

In a Story/Novel

一声开饭。
等待开饭。
准时开饭。
开饭的喧闹。

Conversation Starters

"你家里通常几点开饭？ (What time does your family usually start dinner?)"

"今天是你做饭吗？什么时候开饭？ (Are you cooking today? When is the meal?)"

"我们要等他吗，还是现在就开饭？ (Should we wait for him, or start the meal now?)"

"学校食堂的开饭时间是什么时候？ (What is the mealtime at the school canteen?)"

"闻起来好香啊，是不是要开饭了？ (It smells great, is it time to eat?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你家里‘开饭’时的热闹场景。 (Describe the lively scene when your family starts a meal.)

如果你是一个食堂管理员，你会如何安排开饭时间？ (If you were a canteen manager, how would you arrange mealtimes?)

谈谈‘开饭’这个词给你带来的温馨感觉。 (Talk about the warm feeling the word 'kāifàn' brings to you.)

比较一下‘开饭’和‘用餐’在不同场合的使用。 (Compare the use of 'kāifàn' and 'yòngcān' in different occasions.)

写一个关于大家等待开饭的小故事。 (Write a short story about everyone waiting for the meal to start.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically you could, but it sounds very strange. '开饭' implies a communal setting or a service being provided (like a canteen). If you are alone, you would simply say '我吃饭了' (I'm eating).

Yes, in a household context, '开饭了!' is the exact equivalent of 'Dinner is ready!' or 'Lunch is ready!' It covers any meal.

'开始吃饭' (kāishǐ chīfàn) is more literal and descriptive. '开饭' is a set phrase that functions as an announcement or a schedule marker. '开饭' is more natural in daily speech.

No. '开饭' is a fixed verb-object compound. You cannot insert the type of food into it. You should say '肉做好了，开饭吧!' (The meat is ready, let's eat!).

It is neutral and informal. It is perfectly polite among family and friends. However, it is not formal enough for a business meeting or a high-end restaurant service.

It often acts like a noun in phrases like '开饭时间' (mealtime) or '等开饭' (waiting for the meal). In these cases, it refers to the event of the meal starting.

'开' (kāi) means 'to start' or 'to open.' Just as you '开会' (start a meeting) or '开课' (start a class), you '开饭' (start the meal service).

Traditionally, in large households or work units, a bell or a wooden clapper was used. Today, it's mostly a verbal call or a digital notification in modern canteens.

No. While '饭' literally means rice, in this context, it refers to any meal, whether it's noodles, dumplings, or bread.

You can say '来了！' (Lái le! - Coming!), '好勒！' (Hǎo lei! - Alright!), or simply move to the table.