Chinese phrases
How to say I’m vegetarian in Chinese
I’m vegetarian in Chinese is 我吃素 (wǒ chī sù), literally “I eat plain food.” In a restaurant, 我不吃肉, “I don’t eat meat,” is the clearest way to say it.
我吃素
I’m vegetarian
素 (sù) means plain or meatless. 吃素 is to eat a vegetarian diet.
Ways to say I’m vegetarian
我吃素
EverydayI’m vegetarian
The common way to say it, to a host, a colleague or a waiter.
我不吃肉
EverydayI don’t eat meat
Very clear. Add what else you avoid: 我不吃肉，也不吃鱼.
不要肉
Everydayno meat
For one dish when you order: 这个不要肉, “this one without meat.”
有素菜吗
Everydaydo you have vegetable dishes?
To find the meat-free part of the menu. Many menus have a 素菜 section.
我是素食主义者
FormalI am a vegetarian
Correct, but long. You see 素食, vegetarian food, on menus and restaurant signs.
Allergies and other limits
我对花生过敏
I’m allergic to peanuts
Swap in what you are allergic to: 我对海鲜过敏, seafood.
我不吃鸡蛋
I don’t eat eggs
Say it if you are vegan. Egg dishes are often listed with the 素菜.
有什么忌口吗
is there anything you don’t eat?
What staff and hosts ask. 忌口 means foods you avoid.
Common mistakes
Trusting every 素菜
A vegetable dish can be cooked in lard or meat stock, or come with a little minced meat on top. Ask 里面有肉吗 and say 一点肉都不要.
Expecting 我不吃肉 to cover fish
Some people still offer fish or seafood when you say 我不吃肉. Say 我不吃肉，也不吃鱼 if you mean both.
Saying 我是素食
素食 is vegetarian food, so 我是素食 sounds like “I am a vegetarian meal.” Say 我吃素.
In a restaurant
想吃点什么？
Waiter: What would you like?
我吃素。有什么素菜？
Leon: I’m vegetarian. What vegetable dishes do you have?
麻婆豆腐不错。
Waiter: The mapo tofu is good.
里面有肉吗？
Leon: Is there meat in it?
有一点肉末，可以不放。
Waiter: A little minced meat. We can leave it out.
