1.
Chinese cuisine, Chinese food
Chinese-style cooking, especially as adapted and enjoyed in Japan. Often used as a prefix for Chinese food items.
今日は中華を食べよう。
Let's eat Chinese food today.
駅前に新しい中華レストランができた。
A new Chinese restaurant opened in front of the station.
この中華料理店の麻婆豆腐は本場の味に近い。
The mapo tofu at this Chinese restaurant tastes close to the authentic version.
2.
Chinese, relating to China
Relating to China or Chinese culture more broadly, though the food-related sense is by far the most common in daily use.
中華人民共和国
The People's Republic of China
中華圏では旧正月を盛大に祝う。
In the Chinese cultural sphere, the Lunar New Year is celebrated grandly.
中華思想は東アジアの歴史に深い影響を与えた。
Sinocentric thought had a deep influence on East Asian history.
中華 most commonly refers to Chinese cuisine in everyday conversation.
COMMON FOOD COMPOUNDS:
- 中華料理 (Chinese cuisine)
- 中華鍋 (Chinese-style wok; Chinese hot pot)
- 中華そば (Chinese-style noodles, ramen)
- 中華丼 (Chinese rice bowl)
- 中華街 (Chinatown)
- 中華まん (Chinese steamed bun)
In Japan, 中華料理 often refers to Chinese food that has been adapted to Japanese tastes, while 中国料理 may refer to more authentic Chinese cuisine.