meals

is composed of the radical (flesh) and (good). means good or fine. In ancient times, meat was precious and only those of high status could enjoy it. Therefore, conveys the idea of fine food. Its original meaning is to present meals to a superior, and later it came to broadly refer to ordinary meals or food.

Vocabulary of 膳

  • 午膳 (lunch)
  • 進膳 (eat a meal)
  • 藥膳 (medicinal cuisine)

Related Characters: