Eating Culture in China | 一样 vs 不一样 | HSK 3

In today’s episode, we explore Chinese eating culture and learn how to compare things naturally using 一样 (the same) and 不一样 (different).

Have you ever wondered how Chinese meals differ from Western food habits? From shared dishes and round tables to street food markets and luxury banquets, food culture in China is full of unique traditions. In this lesson, you’ll discover how to describe similarities and differences clearly in Mandarin — not just about food, but about habits, people, cities, and daily life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to use 一样 to say “the same” in natural sentences
✅ How to use 不一样 to express differences
✅ Sentence patterns for making comparisons in everyday conversations
✅ Cultural insights into Chinese dining habits and table culture

Cultural Note:
In China, meals are often shared. Instead of ordering one dish per person, people usually order several dishes for the whole table. Eating together is about connection, not just food.

Question for You:
How would you say in Chinese: “Chinese food and Western food are different”?
Write your answer in the comments and we’ll check it.

Mini Challenge:
Create your own sentence using 一样 or 不一样. For example:
我们的想法不一样。
(Our ideas are different.)

这两家餐厅一样好吃。
(These two restaurants are equally delicious.)

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Visit our websites and start your language journey today

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