1.
Chinese cuisine, Chinese food
Chinese-style cooking, especially as adapted and enjoyed in Japan. Often used as a prefix for Chinese food items.
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 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.
Related Words
Compare:
和食 (Japanese food, Japanese cuisine)