Waimai refers to food delivery services and the food itself, a popular convenience in modern China.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Food delivered to your door.
- Commonly ordered via apps.
- Convenient for busy people.
**概述**
“外卖”是一个非常普遍的中文词汇，尤其在现代城市生活中，它已经成为人们获取食物的一种重要方式。它的基本含义是将食物从餐馆或其他食品供应商那里送到顾客家中或办公室。这个词语涵盖了服务本身以及通过这项服务购买的食品。
**使用模式**
“外卖”通常用作名词，指代外送的餐食或外送服务。
- 作为服务： “我今天想点个外卖。” (I want to order takeout today.)
- 作为食品： “这份外卖有点凉了。” (This takeout food is a bit cold.)
人们经常使用动词“点”来搭配“外卖”，形成“点外卖”的常用语，表示订购外送餐食。
**常见语境**
- 日常生活： 当人们不想做饭、没时间去餐馆或者想在办公室用餐时，会选择点外卖。
- 外卖平台： 随着科技发展，美团、饿了么等外卖平台极大地普及了外卖服务，用户可以通过手机App轻松浏览菜单、下单和支付。
- 餐厅经营： 许多餐馆都提供外卖服务，有的甚至以外卖为主营业务。
**相似词语比较**
- 外送 (wài sòng): “外送”更侧重于“送”这个动作，强调的是将物品（通常是食物）送到指定地点。它与“外卖”在很多情况下可以互换使用，但“外卖”更直接地指向食物本身和相关的服务。
- 外带 (wài dài): “外带”是指顾客在餐馆购买食物，然后自己带走，不在这里食用。它强调的是顾客自行携带，不涉及送餐服务。例如，“这份炒饭可以外带吗？”
总的来说，“外卖”是一个涵盖了食品和送餐服务的综合性词语，在现代汉语中非常常用。
Examples
我想点一份宫保鸡丁外卖。
everydayI want to order Kung Pao Chicken takeout.
该餐厅提供便捷的外卖服务，覆盖周边十公里。
businessThis restaurant offers a convenient delivery service within a ten-kilometer radius.
忙了一天，直接叫个外卖最省事。
informalAfter a busy day, ordering takeout is the easiest thing to do.
近年来，在线外卖平台的兴起深刻改变了人们的餐饮消费习惯。
academicIn recent years, the rise of online food delivery platforms has profoundly changed people's dining consumption habits.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
点个外卖
Order some takeout
你的外卖到了
Your takeout has arrived
这家店有外卖吗？
Does this restaurant offer delivery?
Often Confused With
Waimai involves delivery service to your location, while waidai means you pick up the food yourself and take it away.
Waisong is a broader term for delivery, often used for various items. Waimai specifically refers to food delivery services and the food itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'waimai' is extremely common in everyday spoken and written Chinese. It is used neutrally across most contexts. When referring to the service, it's often paired with verbs like '点' (diǎn - to order) or '叫' (jiào - to call/order).
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 'waimai' (delivery) with 'waidai' (takeaway/to go). Remember, 'waimai' includes the delivery aspect, while 'waidai' means you take it yourself.
Tips
Convenient Food Delivery
Use 'waimai' when you want food brought to you. It's very common.
Check Delivery Details
Always confirm your address and order details before paying to avoid mistakes.
Modern Lifestyle Staple
Waimai is a huge part of daily life, especially in cities, reflecting China's digital economy.
Word Origin
The term '外卖' (wài mài) literally translates to 'outside sell/buy'. It emerged as a common practice for restaurants to offer food for customers to take away or have delivered, becoming standard terminology with the rise of delivery apps.
Cultural Context
The prevalence of 'waimai' reflects China's rapid adoption of mobile technology and the digital economy. It has become an integral part of urban life, offering unparalleled convenience.
Memory Tip
Think of 'wai' (outside) and 'mai' (sell/buy). It's like buying something that's sold 'outside' your home and brought to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions点外卖时，建议查看商家的评分和评论，确认餐品是否符合你的口味。同时，注意核对订单信息，包括餐品、数量和配送地址，确保无误。
外卖是指商家将餐品送到你指定的地点，而外带是指你在商家那里买好餐品后自己带走。
在中国，最常用的外卖平台是美团（Meituan）和饿了么（Ele.me）。它们提供了广泛的餐厅选择和便捷的订餐服务。
外卖的配送时间因距离、交通状况和商家忙碌程度而异，通常在30分钟到1小时之间。高峰时段可能会稍长。
Test Yourself
今天不想做饭，我决定在网上（______）。
根据语境“不想做饭”，选择“点外卖”是最合适的选项。
“外卖”指的是什么？
“外卖”的核心是食物的配送服务。
词语：外卖，点，我，了，一份，今天
这是最自然和符合中文语法的句子结构。
Score: /3
Summary
Waimai refers to food delivery services and the food itself, a popular convenience in modern China.
- Food delivered to your door.
- Commonly ordered via apps.
- Convenient for busy people.
Convenient Food Delivery
Use 'waimai' when you want food brought to you. It's very common.
Check Delivery Details
Always confirm your address and order details before paying to avoid mistakes.
Modern Lifestyle Staple
Waimai is a huge part of daily life, especially in cities, reflecting China's digital economy.
Examples
4 of 4我想点一份宫保鸡丁外卖。
I want to order Kung Pao Chicken takeout.
该餐厅提供便捷的外卖服务，覆盖周边十公里。
This restaurant offers a convenient delivery service within a ten-kilometer radius.
忙了一天，直接叫个外卖最省事。
After a busy day, ordering takeout is the easiest thing to do.
近年来，在线外卖平台的兴起深刻改变了人们的餐饮消费习惯。
In recent years, the rise of online food delivery platforms has profoundly changed people's dining consumption habits.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More food words
一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一瓶
B1A bottle of.
一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
