hoi1 sin6開膳开膳

Jyutpinghoi1 sin6

Yalehōi sihn

Definition

To start a meal; to serve and eat food.

colloquialfooddaily actions

How it's used

This term carries a slightly formal or old fashioned nuance compared to the everyday expression 開飯. It is often used in a joking or slightly dramatic way to announce that a meal is about to begin, especially in a group setting. You will rarely hear it used in casual, one on one conversation between close friends.

Examples

daai6大gaa1家hoi1開sin6膳mei6未aa4呀？

Has everyone started eating yet?

ngo5我dei6哋zeon2準bei6備hoi1開sin6膳laa3喇。

We are ready to start eating.

Common phrases

zeon2準bei6備hoi1開sin6膳

preparing to eat

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 開飯, which is the standard, neutral way to say start eating. Using 開膳 in a very casual setting might sound like you are putting on an act or trying to sound overly sophisticated.