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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to eat' with 吃 (chī)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 吃 + Food/Object

    Explanation

    吃 (chī) means "to eat" and is one of the most basic and frequently used verbs in Chinese. It is followed directly by the food being eaten, such as 吃饭 (to eat a meal) or 吃苹果 (to eat an apple). It can also be used in extended expressions like 吃药 (to take medicine).

    Examples

    • 你今天早上吃了什么？

      Nǐ jīntiān zǎoshang chī le shénme?

      What did you eat this morning?

    • 我们去外面吃火锅吧。

      Wǒmen qù wàimiàn chī huǒguō ba.

      Let's go out and have hot pot.

    • 别忘了按时吃药。

      Bié wàng le ànshí chī yào.

      Don't forget to take your medicine on time.

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    Expressing 'to eat' with 吃 (chī) | Chinese Grammar