About This Lesson
Use Choosing a restaurant for a group dinner to practice Chinese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
我们需要为周六的聚餐选一家餐厅。
wǒmen xūyào wèi zhōuliù de jùcān xuǎn yì jiā cāntīng. We need to choose a restaurant for our group on Saturday.
B
那么，在预订之前，我们应该了解每个人的饮食偏好。
nàme, zài yùdìng zhīqián, wǒmen yīnggāi liǎojiě měi ge rén de yǐnshí piānhào. Then we should check everyone's food preferences before making a reservation.
A
有些人想吃寿司，但其他人更喜欢热食。
yǒuxiē rén xiǎng chī shòusī, dàn qítā rén gèng xǐhuān rèshí. Some people want sushi, but others prefer a hot meal.
B
一家菜单丰富的餐厅会更灵活。
yì jiā càidān fēngfù de cāntīng huì gèng línghuó. A place with a varied menu would be more flexible.
A
我找到了一家休闲餐厅，那里有素食选择和大桌子。
wǒ zhǎodào le yì jiā xiūxián cāntīng, nàli yǒu sùshí xuǎnzé hé dà zhuōzi. I found a casual restaurant with vegetarian options and big tables.
B
听起来，对于成员偏好不同的团体来说，这是更稳妥的选择。
tīng qǐlái, duìyú chéngyuán piānhào bú tóng de tuántǐ lái shuō, zhè shì gèng wěntuǒ de xuǎnzé. That sounds like a safer choice for a mixed group.
A
预订之前，我应该问问大家，还是现在就选这家餐厅？
yùdìng zhīqián, wǒ yīnggāi wènwen dàjiā, háishi xiànzài jiù xuǎn zhè jiā cāntīng? Should I ask the group before booking, or choose it now?
B
给他们两个选项，请他们尽快回复。
gěi tāmen liǎng ge xuǎnxiàng, qǐng tāmen jǐnkuài huífù. Give them two options and ask for a quick response.
A
我会发一个简短的投票，这样我们今晚就能决定了。
wǒ huì fā yí ge jiǎnduǎn de tóupiào, zhèyàng wǒmen jīnwǎn jiù néng juédìng le. I will send a short poll so we can decide tonight.
B
这样应该能让计划继续推进，不用征求太多人的意见。
zhèyàng yīnggāi néng ràng jìhuà jìxù tuījìn, bú yòng zhēngqiú tài duō rén de yìjiàn. That should keep the plan moving without asking too many people for opinions.Word by Word
我们
“我们” means “we” or “us,” referring to the speaker together with other people. It commonly appears before a verb, as in “我们需要” (“we need”). Use it when speaking about yourself and the people included in the group.
需要
“需要” means “need” in this sentence. It is followed by the action or thing that is needed, as in “需要为周六的聚餐选一家餐厅.” Use it when stating a practical requirement or necessity.
为
“为” marks the purpose or group that benefits from the choice: “为周六的聚餐” means “for Saturday’s group meal.” A common pattern is “为 + purpose or person + verb.” Use it when explaining what an action is intended for.
周六
“周六” means “Saturday” and identifies when the group meal will take place. It appears before “的聚餐” to specify which group meal. Use it when arranging an event on Saturday.
的
“的” links “周六” to “聚餐,” making “周六的聚餐” mean “Saturday’s group meal.” It commonly connects a description or time expression to a noun. Use it to mark this kind of attributive relationship.
聚餐
“聚餐” means a group meal or meal gathering. In “周六的聚餐,” it names the shared meal the group is planning. Use it when talking about eating together with a group.
选
“选” means “choose” in “选一家餐厅.” It is followed by the thing being chosen, with “家” marking the restaurant. Use it when selecting one item from several possibilities.
家
“家” is the classifier used here for a restaurant: “一家餐厅” means “one restaurant.” The pattern is “一 + 家 + restaurant or establishment.” Use it when counting or identifying a restaurant or similar establishment.
餐厅
“餐厅” means “restaurant.” In “一家餐厅,” it is the place the group needs to choose. Use it when discussing where people will eat.
那么
“那么” means “then” or “in that case,” connecting the previous problem with the next suggestion. It introduces the response “那么，在预订之前，我们应该了解……” Use it when drawing a conclusion or moving to a proposed action.
在
“在” introduces the time expression “在预订之前,” meaning “before making a reservation.” Here it places an action in relation to a time point rather than marking a physical location. Use it before a time or situation to say when something happens.
预订
“预订” means “make a reservation” or “book,” referring to securing the restaurant before the group goes there. It appears in “在预订之前,” with “之前” meaning that the checking happens first. Use it for booking a restaurant, room, ticket, or similar service.
之前
“之前” means “before” and places one action earlier than another. In “预订之前,” it means before making the reservation. A common pattern is “verb or event + 之前”; use it when setting a deadline or sequence.
应该
“应该” means “should” and presents checking the group’s preferences as the recommended action. It commonly comes before the main verb, as in “应该了解.” Use it when giving advice or identifying the sensible next step.
了解
“了解” means “learn about” or “understand” the group’s food preferences. It takes the information being learned as its object, here “每个人的饮食偏好.” Use it when finding out about people, facts, or preferences.
每
“每” means “each” or “every” and distributes the meaning across the people in the group. It is followed by the classifier “个” in “每个人.” Use the pattern “每 + classifier + noun” when referring to members one by one.
个
“个” is the general classifier in “每个人,” the phrase for “each person.” It appears between “每” and “人” in this expression. Use it as a general classifier when no more specific classifier is required.
人
“人” means “person” or “people.” In “每个人,” it refers to each individual in the dinner group. Use it after a number or classifier when talking about people.
饮食
“饮食” refers to food and eating habits in “饮食偏好.” It helps specify that the preferences concern what people eat. Use it before a noun such as “偏好” when discussing diet or food choices.
偏好
“偏好” means “preference,” here referring to what each person prefers to eat. It appears after “饮食” in “饮食偏好.” Use it when comparing people’s preferred options or choices.
有些
“有些” means “some,” referring to part of the group in “有些人.” It commonly comes before a noun, especially in a contrast with another group. Use it when describing only some members of a larger group.
想
“想” means “want to” before the action “吃寿司.” Its meaning here is a person’s desire or intention to eat something. Use the pattern “想 + verb” when saying what someone wants to do.
吃
“吃” means “eat” and takes “寿司” as its object in “吃寿司.” It is used for the action of consuming food. Use it before a food or meal when describing what someone wants to eat.
寿司
“寿司” means “sushi.” In “想吃寿司,” it is the food that some people want to eat. Use it as the object after “吃” when discussing sushi as a meal choice.
但
“但” means “but” and introduces a contrast between “有些人” and “其他人.” It connects two alternatives or opposing preferences. Use it before the contrasting clause when presenting a different point.
其他
“其他” means “other” or “others,” referring here to the remaining people in the group. It appears before “人” in “其他人.” Use the pattern “其他 + noun” when distinguishing the rest from a previously mentioned group.
更
“更” means “more” or “rather” and marks a stronger preference in comparison with another food choice. In “更喜欢热食,” it means that the other people prefer hot food more. Use it before an adjective or preference expression when making a comparison.
喜欢
“喜欢” means “like” or “prefer,” and here describes the other people’s preference for hot food. It is followed by the preferred thing, “热食.” Use the pattern “喜欢 + noun” to state what someone likes.
热食
“热食” means “hot food,” the meal preferred by some members of the group. It appears as the object of “喜欢” in “更喜欢热食.” Use it when contrasting hot food with another type of meal.
菜单
“菜单” means “menu.” In “菜单丰富,” it is the menu whose range of choices is being described. Use it when discussing the food or choices available at a restaurant.
丰富
“丰富” means “varied” or “rich” in “菜单丰富,” describing a menu with many different choices. It follows the noun it describes in this sentence. Use it to describe a range of options, information, or resources that is broad.
会
“会” means “would” in the suggestion “会更灵活,” describing the likely result of choosing a restaurant with a varied menu. It commonly appears before a verb or adjective to describe a possible outcome. Use it when explaining what a proposed situation will probably be like.
灵活
“灵活” means “flexible,” describing a restaurant choice that can suit different food preferences. It appears after “会更” to express a more flexible result. Use it when an arrangement can adapt to different needs.
我
“我” means “I” or “me” and identifies the speaker who found the restaurant. It appears before the verb “找到.” Use it as the subject when talking about yourself.
找到
“找到” means “found,” emphasizing that the speaker located a suitable restaurant. It is followed by the thing found, “一家休闲餐厅.” Use the pattern “找到 + object” when reporting that you have located something.
了
“了” marks the completed event in “我找到了一家休闲餐厅,” showing that the restaurant has been found. It follows the verb and comes before the object here. Use it when presenting an action as completed or a new situation as established.
休闲
“休闲” means “casual” or “relaxed,” describing the style of the restaurant. It appears before “餐厅” in “一家休闲餐厅.” Use it when describing a relaxed type of place or activity.
那里
“那里” means “there,” referring back to the restaurant that was found. In “那里有素食选择和大桌子,” it introduces what is available at that place. Use it when pointing to a previously mentioned location.
有
“有” means “have” or “there is,” introducing the features available at the restaurant. In “那里有素食选择和大桌子,” it states that the place has these options and tables. Use the pattern “location + 有 + thing” to say what a place contains or offers.
素食
“素食” means “vegetarian food.” It is part of “素食选择,” referring to vegetarian choices available at the restaurant. Use it when discussing food suitable for people who eat vegetarian food.
选择
“选择” means “choice” or “option,” here referring to the vegetarian choices offered by the restaurant. It follows “素食” in “素食选择.” Use it when talking about available alternatives or things someone can choose.
和
“和” means “and” and joins “素食选择” with “大桌子.” It connects two features of the restaurant in the same list. Use it to link nouns or noun phrases.
大
“大” means “big” or “large,” describing the tables in “大桌子.” It appears before the noun it describes. Use it before a noun when specifying that something is large.
桌子
“桌子” means “table.” In “大桌子,” it refers to the large tables that can accommodate the group. Use it when discussing tables in a restaurant or another place.
听起来
“听起来” means “sounds” or “seems from what is heard,” introducing an impression of the suggested restaurant. The “听” part relates to hearing, while “起来” helps express the resulting impression in “听起来像……” or “听起来很不错.” Use it when giving an opinion based on information someone has just said.
对于
“对于” means “for” or “with regard to,” introducing the group for which the choice is being evaluated. It appears in the frame “对于成员偏好的团体来说.” Use it before a person, group, or matter when stating the scope of an opinion.
成员
“成员” means “member,” referring to people who belong to the group. In “成员偏好不同,” it identifies the people whose preferences differ. Use it when talking about members of a group, team, or organization.
不同
“不同” means “different,” describing the members’ preferences as not the same. It appears before “团体” in “成员偏好不同的团体” as part of the description. Use it when pointing out a difference between people, things, or choices.
团体
“团体” means “group,” referring to the group eating together. It is described as having members with different preferences. Use it for a group of people considered together.
来说
“来说” completes the frame “对于……来说,” meaning “for …” or “as far as … is concerned.” Here it marks the group as the perspective from which the choice is safer. Use “对于 + person or group + 来说” when expressing what is suitable or true from that group’s point of view.
这
“这” means “this,” referring to the restaurant choice just described. It is the subject of “这是更稳妥的选择.” Use it to point back to a specific thing, choice, or situation already under discussion.
是
“是” means “is” and links “这” with “更稳妥的选择.” It identifies what the choice is considered to be. Use it to connect a subject with a noun phrase or description.
稳妥
“稳妥” means “safe” or “reliable” in the sense of being a sensible choice for a group with different preferences. It appears before “的选择” in “更稳妥的选择.” Use it when evaluating an option as dependable or unlikely to cause problems.
问问
“问问” means “ask” in a light, conversational way, referring to asking the group for their views. It takes “大家” as the person being asked in “问问大家.” Use it when making a casual suggestion to ask someone for information or an opinion.
大家
“大家” means “everyone” or “everybody,” referring to all the people in the dinner group. It is the object of “问问” in “问问大家.” Use it when addressing or referring to a whole group of people.
还是
“还是” means “or” in the alternative question “问问大家，还是现在就选这家餐厅？” It introduces the second possible action after the first option. Use it to present alternatives in a question.
现在
“现在” means “now,” identifying the present time for choosing the restaurant. It appears before “就选” to suggest making the choice immediately. Use it when referring to the current moment.
就
“就” adds the sense of doing something directly or right away in “现在就选.” It emphasizes that the restaurant could be chosen now without waiting. Use it before a verb when highlighting an immediate or direct action.
给
“给” means “to” or “give,” marking the people who will receive the two options in “给他们两个选项.” It commonly appears before a recipient and the thing given. Use the pattern “给 + person + thing” when giving or sending something to someone.
他们
“他们” means “them,” referring to the other members of the group. It is the recipient after “给” in “给他们两个选项.” Use it when referring to a group of people already mentioned.
选项
“选项” means “option,” referring to the alternatives presented to the group. In “两个选项,” it is counted with “两个.” Use it when offering choices for someone to consider or select.
请
“请” means “please” or “ask someone to,” introducing the requested action “尽快回复.” It makes the instruction or request more polite. Use “请 + verb” when politely asking someone to do something.
尽快
“尽快” means “as soon as possible,” setting a request for a quick reply. It appears before “回复” and modifies how soon the action should happen. Use it when asking someone to respond or act without unnecessary delay.
回复
“回复” means “reply” or “respond,” referring to the group’s answer to the options. It appears after “尽快” in “尽快回复.” Use it when asking someone to answer a message, request, or poll.
发
“发” means “send” in “发一个简短的投票,” referring to sending the poll to the group. It is followed by the thing being sent. Use it for sending a message, poll, or other item.
简短
“简短” means “short” or “brief,” describing the poll as limited in length. It appears before “的投票” in “一个简短的投票.” Use it when describing something that communicates or takes place in a small amount of time or space.
投票
“投票” means “poll” or “vote,” referring here to a short poll used to collect the group’s choice. It is the object of “发” in “发一个简短的投票.” Use it when asking people to choose among options.
这样
“这样” means “this way” or “so,” referring to sending the short poll. It introduces the result “这样我们今晚就能决定了.” Use it when connecting an action with the result it makes possible.
今晚
“今晚” means “tonight,” specifying when the group can make the decision. It appears before “就能决定” to set the time limit. Use it when arranging or describing something for the current evening.
能
“能” means “can” or “be able to,” describing the group’s ability to decide tonight. It appears before “决定.” Use it when expressing that an action is possible or feasible.
决定
“决定” means “decide,” referring to choosing the restaurant after receiving the poll responses. It appears after “能” in “能决定.” Use it when talking about reaching a choice or conclusion.
让
“让” means “let” or “make,” introducing the result that the poll will cause: “让计划继续推进.” It is followed by the person or thing affected and then the result. Use it when an action allows or causes something to happen.
计划
“计划” means “plan,” referring to the arrangement for the group dinner. It is the thing that can continue moving forward in “让计划继续推进.” Use it when discussing an intended arrangement or course of action.
继续
“继续” means “continue,” showing that the plan keeps progressing rather than stopping. It appears before “推进” in “继续推进.” Use it before a verb when an action carries on.
推进
“推进” means “move forward” or “advance,” describing progress on the dinner plan. It follows “继续” in “继续推进.” Use it when talking about advancing a plan, project, or process.
不
“不” means “not” and forms the negative expression “不用,” meaning that something is not necessary. It appears before “用” in “不用征求太多人的意见.” Use it before a verb or expression to make the meaning negative.
用
“用” means “need to” in the expression “不用,” not “use” in this context. “不用征求太多人的意见” means that there is no need to ask too many people for their opinions. Use the pattern “不用 + verb” when saying an action is unnecessary.
征求
“征求” means “seek” or “solicit,” referring to actively asking people for their opinions. It is followed by “意见” in “征求太多人的意见.” Use it when gathering feedback or views before making a decision.
太
“太” means “too” or “excessively” in “太多人的意见,” indicating an unnecessarily large amount. It appears before “多.” Use “太 + adjective or quantity expression” when describing something as excessive.
多
“多” means “many” in “太多人的意见,” referring to the number of people whose opinions might be requested. Together with “太,” it means “too many.” Use it with people or things when referring to a large quantity.
意见
“意见” means “opinion” or “view,” referring to what people might give about the restaurant options. It is the object of “征求” in “征求太多人的意见.” Use it when asking for or discussing someone’s view on a decision.
Grammar Points
尽快 + 动词
请尽快回复。
qǐng jǐnkuài huífù.Please reply as soon as possible.
尽快 comes before the verb to show that an action should happen as soon as possible.
主语 + 形容词短语
成员偏好不同。
chéngyuán piānhào bú tóng.Members have different preferences.
Chinese can use an adjective phrase as the predicate without a verb equivalent to “are”.
Chinese Vocabulary
菜单
noun
càidān
menu
餐厅
noun
cāntīng
restaurant
丰富
adj
fēngfù
varied; rich; abundant
聚餐
noun
jùcān
group meal; gathering for a meal
了解
verb
liǎojiě
to understand; to find out about
灵活
adj
línghuó
flexible
热食
noun
rèshí
hot food; hot meal
寿司
noun
shòusī
sushi
素食
noun
sùshí
vegetarian food
休闲
adj
xiūxián
casual; leisure-oriented
饮食偏好
noun
yǐnshí piānhào
food preferences
预订
verb
yùdìng
to reserve; to book
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
food preferences
Show Answer
饮食偏好to reserve; to book
Show Answer
预订restaurant
Show Answer
餐厅group meal; gathering for a meal