zing3 caan1正餐
Jyutpingzing3 caan1
Yalejing chāan
Definition
A regular full meal, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, in contrast to snacks.
colloquialfooddaily actions
How it's used
Distinguishes substantial meals from casual snacking or light refreshments. It is commonly used by parents to discipline children about their eating habits or when planning a proper dining schedule for the day.
Measure word
caan1餐chānExamples
Have you had your main meal yet?
Don't eat snacks until you've finished your main meal.
Related words
Common phrases
to eat a main meal
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 晚餐, which specifically refers to dinner. 正餐 is a broader category that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, focusing on the status of the meal rather than the time of day.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
