Definition
用膳 is a formal, classical-style verb meaning 'to eat a meal'. It's used in historical contexts, by hotel or restaurant staff for a refined tone, or in ceremonial writing. You almost never hear it in casual conversation — 吃饭 is the everyday word. Like many two-character verbs in Chinese, 用膳 is a separable verb (离合词): you can insert measure words, modifiers, or time words between 用 and 膳, e.g. 用了一顿膳 ('had a meal').
v.o.
to eat a meal (formal or classical register)
Examples
- ,用膳。Bìxià, qǐng yòng shàn.Your Majesty, please have your meal.
- 。Kèrén dōu zài huìsuǒ yòng le yí dùn fēngshèng de shàn.The guests all had a sumptuous meal at the private club.
- 用膳。Míngrì shàngwǔ shí shí zài yànhuìtīng yòng shàn.The meal will be held in the banquet hall at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
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