The easiest way to say "vegan in Mandarin Chinese" is 'chúnsù' (chúnsù), which translates to "pure vegetarian." This term encompasses both dietary choices and lifestyle. Another common term is 'quánsù' (quánsù), meaning "all vegetarian," which specifically refers to a vegan diet. If someone identifies as vegan, you can use 'chúnsùzhě' (chúnsùzhě) or 'quánsùzhě' (quánsùzhě). With the global rise in plant-based eating, the vegan food market is experiencing significant growth. In 2023, this market was valued at 18.20 billion US dollars.
Despite the global trend, the number of people who are vegan or vegetarian in China remains relatively low.
Key Takeaways
Use 'chúnsù' (chúnsù) to say "vegan" in Mandarin. This word means "pure vegetarian" and covers both diet and lifestyle.
Use 'quánsù' (quánsù) to talk about a vegan diet. This word means "all vegetarian" and focuses on food choices.
'sùshí' (sùshí) means "vegetarian food." It is a general term and may include eggs or dairy, so it is not always vegan.
Add 'zhě' (zhě) after 'chúnsù' or 'quánsù' to describe a vegan person. For example, 'chúnsùzhě' means "a vegan person."
When ordering food, say 'Wǒ chī quánsù' (Wǒ chī quánsù) to mean "I eat a vegan diet." You can also ask, 'Qǐngwèn yǒu chúnsù de cài ma?' (Qǐngwèn yǒu chúnsù de cài ma?) to ask for vegan dishes.
Learning Vegan Words in Mandarin
It is important to learn the right words. These words are for veganism in Mandarin. Different words mean different things. They can talk about food. They can talk about how someone lives. Or they can talk about being vegetarian. Knowing these helps you speak clearly.
chúnsù (chúnsù): The Main Vegan Word
The word 'chúnsù' (chúnsù) is a direct way. It means "vegan in Mandarin". It means 'pure vegetarian'. This word covers two things. It means eating only plants. It also means living without animal products. Many people use 'chúnsù'. They use it to talk about full veganism.
But 'chúnsù' can be tricky. Mandarin speakers might not get it. It is one type of meatless diet. Not all of these diets are like Western veganism. For example, 'chúnsù' might mean no onions or garlic. This is for some religious vegetarians. Western vegan diets usually allow these. This can cause confusion. Some foods are called 'wǔxīn sù' (wǔxīn sù). This means 'allium veg*n'. They might have eggs or milk. This shows that 'vegetarian' diets vary a lot. The word 'chúnsù' also has religious ties. It can mean avoiding 'earthly pleasures'. This religious idea makes it hard. It is hard to explain a plant-based diet. This is without spiritual ideas. Other words exist. 'shūshí' (shūshí) and 'zhíwù jī' (zhíwù jī) mean 'plant-based'. This shows a gap in understanding 'chúnsù'.
Example Sentence: Wǒ shì chúnsùzhě，不穿皮草。(Wǒ shì chúnsùzhě, bù chuān pícǎo. - I am vegan, I don't wear fur.)
Example Sentence: 这家店提供chúnsù餐点。(Zhè jiā diàn tígōng chúnsù cāndiǎn. - This restaurant offers vegan meals.)
quánsù (quánsù): Eating Vegan
'quánsù' (quánsù) means 'all vegetarian'. It also means 'entirely vegetarian'. This word mostly talks about a vegan diet. It focuses on food choices. It means no meat, eggs, dairy, or honey. People often use 'quánsù'. They use it when talking about diet. This is without religious meanings.
In Chinese culture, 'quánsù' and 'chúnsù' both mean 'vegan'. They also mean 'pure vegetarian'. But 'quánsù' is a more general word. It is for veganism. 'chúnsù' can have special religious meanings. Like not eating alliums. These are five strong-smelling vegetables. Buddhists often avoid them. So, 'quánsù' is better. It is for general vegan diets. It does not have these religious ideas.
Example Sentence: 这家餐厅的菜色很丰富，有荤有素，也有quánsù的选择。(Zhè jiā cāntīng de càisè hěn fēngfù, yǒu hūn yǒu sù, yě yǒu quán sù de xuǎnzé. - This restaurant has many foods. It has meat, vegetarian, and also vegan choices.)
Example Sentence: 他是个quánsùzhě，不吃任何动物性食品。(Tā shì ge quánsùzhě, bù chī rènhé dòngwù xìng shí pǐn. - He is a vegan. He does not eat any animal products.)
Example Sentence: 为了健康，她决定从下个月开始吃quánsù。(Wèile jiànkāng, tā juédìng cóng xià ge yuè kāishǐ chī quánsù. - For health, she decided to eat a vegan diet next month.)
sùshí (sùshí): Just Vegetarian
'sùshí' (sùshí) is the most common word. It means 'vegetarian food'. It also means 'vegetarianism'. Its roots are in Buddhism and Taoism. These religions have long promoted meatless diets. This includes religious fasting. For thousands of years, people in East Asia avoided meat. This often links to 'mercy for animals'. Or 'respect for life'.
But 'sùshí' does not always mean vegan. It is a general word. Many 'sùshí' dishes can have eggs. They can have dairy or honey. For example, '西红柿炒鸡蛋' (xī hóng shì chǎo jī dàn). This is scrambled eggs and tomatoes. It is a common vegetarian dish. It has eggs. This makes it not vegan. So, if you want a plant-based meal, 'sùshí' is not enough. You need to be more specific.
Example Sentence: I like to eat vegetarian food.
Example Sentence: This vegetarian restaurant has many choices.
Describing a Vegan Person: zhě Words
To talk about a person. This person follows a diet or lifestyle. You can add 'zhě' (zhě) after the word. 'zhě' means 'person' or 'one who'.
chúnsùzhě (chúnsùzhě): This means 'a vegan person'. It talks about someone. This person follows a full vegan lifestyle.
quánsùzhě (quánsùzhě): This means 'a person who eats a vegan diet'. It focuses on their food choices.
Using these words correctly helps you. It helps you tell people what you need. It also shows respect for local ways.
Example Sentence: 他是一位严格的chúnsùzhě。(Tā shì yī wèi yángé de chúnsùzhě. - He is a strict vegan.)
Example Sentence: 我是quánsùzhě，所以不能吃这个。(Wǒ shì quánsùzhě, suǒyǐ bù néng chī zhège. - I am a dietary vegan. So I cannot eat this.)
Practical Vegan Mandarin Usage
Learning key phrases helps you communicate your needs. This is especially true when you are in a new country. Knowing how to talk about your diet is very important. This section gives you useful Mandarin phrases. You can use them in different situations.
Ordering Vegan Food
When you eat out, you need to tell the staff about your diet. Here are some phrases to help you order food.
我是chúnsùzhě (Wǒ shì chúnsùzhě): This means "I am vegan." Use this to explain your full lifestyle choice.
Wǒ chī quánsù (Wǒ chī quánsù): This means "I eat a vegan diet." This phrase focuses on your food choices.
It is good to ask about dishes. You can ask if they have vegan choices.
Qǐngwèn yǒu chúnsù de cài ma? (Qǐngwèn yǒu chúnsù de cài ma?): This asks, "Do you have any vegan dishes?" This is a polite way to inquire.
Sometimes, you need to check if a dish is vegetarian. A simple question is:
这个是素的吗？ (Zhè ge shì sù de ma?): This means "Is this vegetarian?" This helps you start the conversation.
You might need to be very clear about what you do not eat. This is important for veganism. You can list the items you avoid.
Bùyào ròu, dàn, nǎi, fēngmì (Bùyào ròu, dàn, nǎi, fēngmì): This means "No meat, eggs, dairy, honey." This covers the main animal products.
To be more specific, you can say:
Bù chī jīdàn (Bù chī jīdàn): No eggs.
Bù chī yú (Bù chī yú): No fish.
You can also ask if a dish is made only with vegetables: Zhè cài shì chúnsù de ma? (Zhè cài shì chúnsù de ma?)
Remember, the term 'chúnsù' (chúnsù) means 'only vegetables' in this context. It is a good word to use for vegan food. When looking for vegan options in China, being direct helps.
Explaining Vegan Lifestyle
Explaining your vegan lifestyle goes beyond food. It includes other choices you make. You might need to talk about clothing or other products.
Wǒ guò chúnsù de shēnghuó (Wǒ guò chúnsù de shēnghuó): This means "I live a vegan lifestyle." This tells people you follow veganism in all parts of your life.
When you explain your lifestyle, be aware of cultural differences. In China, dietary choices often link to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM focuses on balancing "yin" and "yang." It also considers the five elements. Some people avoid certain foods for health or spiritual reasons. For example, some avoid meat on Buddhist holidays.
It is important to clearly state your restrictions. This helps avoid misunderstandings. This is especially true in group dining. You can say you avoid animal products in clothing. For example, you can say:
Wǒ bù chuān pícǎo (Wǒ bù chuān pícǎo): I do not wear fur.
Wǒ bù mǎi dòngwù zhìpǐn (Wǒ bù mǎi dòngwù zhìpǐn): I do not buy animal products.
Being polite and clear helps people understand your choices. This makes your experience smoother.
Learn Mandarin with Coachers for Your Vegan Journey
Learning Mandarin helps you. You can talk about being vegan. Coachers.org helps you learn. You can learn useful Mandarin words. This includes talking about veganism.
Personalized Coaching for Practical Mandarin
Coachers teaches you in a special way. Our online lessons are good. You learn quickly. Teachers are native speakers. They teach you new words. You learn vegan words in Mandarin. Our teachers work with all students. They have flexible times. Coachers checks its teachers well. They check their schooling. Many have degrees. They also have special papers. Teachers have different skills. Some are new. Some have more experience. They can change lessons for you. They also check how they teach. This makes sure teaching is good.
Flexible Online Learning from Anywhere
You can learn Mandarin online. Coachers lets you learn easily. You learn at your own speed. You can learn from any place. Our website has fun lessons. These include small tests. You get help with how you speak. A special tool helps your voice. You get quick help on your words. You also get help on how you speak. We track your progress. This keeps you wanting to learn. Special tips help you learn. You can talk to teachers from all over. Games make learning fun.
Tailored Programs for Real-World Communication
Coachers makes special lesson plans. These plans are for your goals. You can learn for trips. Or you can learn for work. Our plans help you talk in real life. You practice talking. Native speakers help you. This makes you speak better. You get help right away. This stops bad habits. Special help fixes your problems. A group helps you learn more. It also makes you responsible. You will talk about being vegan. You will feel sure of yourself.
This guide taught you important words. 'chúnsù' means being fully vegan. 'quánsù' means eating a vegan diet. Remember these are different from 'sùshí'. That just means vegetarian. These words help you speak clearly. Learning to say vegan in Mandarin helps you travel. It helps you learn about new cultures. Coachers.org is great for serious Mandarin students. We give many personal lessons. Our good teachers make learning special. You learn useful skills anywhere. Look at our plans and start learning!
FAQ
❓ What is the most direct way to say "vegan" in Mandarin?
The most direct way is 'chúnsù' (chúnsù). This term means 'pure vegetarian'. It covers both diet and lifestyle. Many people use it for full veganism.
❓ Is 'quánsù' the same as 'chúnsù'?
'quánsù' (quánsù) means 'all vegetarian'. It mainly refers to a vegan diet. 'chúnsù' can also mean a vegan lifestyle. 'chúnsù' sometimes has religious meanings. These meanings are not always present with 'quánsù'.
❓ Can I just say 'sùshí' to mean vegan?
No, 'sùshí' (sùshí) means 'vegetarian food'. It is a general term. Vegetarian dishes often include eggs or dairy. This is not vegan. You need to be more specific.
❓ What should I say to a waiter to order vegan food?
You can say, 'Wǒ chī quánsù' (Wǒ chī quánsù). This means, 'I eat a vegan diet'. You can also say, 'Qǐngwèn yǒu chúnsù de cài ma?' (Qǐngwèn yǒu chúnsù de cài ma?). This asks, 'Do you have any vegan dishes?'
❓ How do I explain I live a vegan lifestyle?
You can say, 'Wǒ guò chúnsù de shēnghuó' (Wǒ guò chúnsù de shēnghuó). This means, 'I live a vegan lifestyle'. This tells people you follow veganism in all parts of your life.
Share this post