用膳 (yòng shàn) — to eat a meal (formal or classical register)

Definition

A formal, classical verb for eating a meal — used in elegant or ceremonial contexts (e.g. courtly speech, banquet invitations), unlike everyday 吃饭. The object 膳 itself is an archaic word for food.

verb

to eat a meal (formal or classical register)

Examples

，用膳。
Bì xià, qǐng yòng shàn.
Your Majesty, please have your meal.
。
Kè rén dōu zài huì suǒ yòng le yí dùn fēng shèng de shàn.
The guests all had a sumptuous meal at the private club.
用膳。
Míng rì shàng wǔ shí shí zài yàn huì tīng yòng shàn.
The meal will be held in the banquet hall at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.