Do you think eating delicious foods is an important part of your life? Do you find yourself unable to resist the temptation of food, even when you are on a diet? Do you know where to find the tastiest food in your town like the back of your hand? Can you talk endlessly when chatting on the subject of food? If you answered “yes” to these questions, the phrase “吃货 (chīhuò)” describes you perfectly. So, what on earth does this Chinese phrase mean?
“货(huò)” basically means “goods” or “commodities”, but people sometimes use it nowadays in a derogatory way to make jokes about or insult other people. Examples of this phrase in use include “蠢货 (chǔnhuò) idiot” and “二货 (èrhuò) stupid person”.
Examples
(Dana is singing)
Dana: Wǒ de rèqíng, jiù xiàng yìbǎ huǒ!
Dana： 我 的 热情， 就 像 一把 火！
Dana: My enthusiasm is like a fire!
Micky: Èrhuò, bié zài chàng zhème guòshí de gē la!
Micky：二货， 别 再 唱 这么 过时 的 歌 啦！
Micky: Dork, don’t keep singing such an outdated song!
On the other hand, “吃货 (chīhuò)” actually refers to people who have a special love for food or who have great tastes when it comes to food. In most cases, this type of people can eat like a horse. “吃货 (chīhuò)” was first used to insult people, meaning that they can’t do anything other than eat. However, with the popularity of social media and the broadcast of the Chinese documentary A Bite of China, use of the word “吃货 (chīhuò)” spread. From that point on, the meaning of “吃货 (chīhuò)” started to change while more and more Chinese started using this word to describe themselves and friends, as a way to show their great love for food. Now, this word is often used as a neutral word bearing a slightly positive connotation.
Examples
Amy: Wǎnshàng nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?
Amy：晚上 你 想 吃 什么？
Amy: What do you want to eat tonight?
Tracy: Wǒ xiǎng chī běijīng kǎoyā, gōngbǎojīdīng, yúxiāngròusī, hái xiǎng chī niúpái hé bǐsà!
Tracy： 我 想 吃 北京 烤鸭， 宫保鸡丁， 鱼香肉丝， 还 想 吃 牛排 和 比萨！
Tracy: I want to eat Beijing duck, kung pao chicken,fish flavored pork, plus steak and pizza!
Amy: Nǐ kě zhēn shì yígè shízú de chīhuò ya!
Amy：你 可 真 是 一个 十足 的 吃货 呀！
Amy: Wow, you are a total foodie!
Tracy: Wǒ hěn jiāo’ào wǒ shì chīhuò! Wǒ de mèngxiǎng shì chī biàn shìjiè shàng suǒyǒu de měishí!
Tracy：我 很 骄傲 我 是 吃货！我 的 梦想 是 吃 遍 世界 上 所有 的 美食！
Tracy: I’m proud to be a foodie! My dream is to taste every delicious food in the world!
Quiz
1. Anna really likes eating yummy food and she often visits good restaurants in her city. Therefore, we can call her a ____.
A. 吃家 (chījiā)
B. 吃货 (chīhuò)
C. 爱吃 (àichī)
2. “中国城是吃货们必去的地方.” Here “吃货 (chīhuò)” means____.
A. People who love China
B. People who love to eat Chinese food.
C. People who love Chinese culture.
You may be interested in more Chinese popular words:
◆ (那是)必须的！((Nà shì) bìxū de!) Absolutely! (Beginner)
Chinese Popular Words
HSK Test
General Chinese (Beginner Level)
General Chinese (Intermediate Level)