Chinese · Food & Drink
肉
ròu
Meat
Beginnernoun
Definition
The flesh of animals eaten as food.
Example
他不吃肉，只吃蔬菜。
He does not eat meat, only vegetables.
Etymology
'肉' (ròu) originated from Old Chinese, reflecting the significance of meat in early agricultural societies where livestock farming became prominent. The character also carries connotations of flesh or body.
How & Where It’s Used
'肉' (ròu) is a general term used in everyday informal speech and writing to refer to various types of meat. It is often used in restaurant menus and in contexts related to cooking.