In this workshop you will practice a simple, useful conversation about food. You will ask whether someone likes a food, answer with a like or dislike, and respond to a partner's answer. The recorded lines give you clear models for each step, so you can listen, repeat, and then take both roles. Work slowly and focus on clear, natural speech rather than speed.
Asking about food likes
Start by learning how to ask a yes-or-no question about food. A recorded line shows a question about rice: «你喜欢吃米饭吗？». The English meaning is 'Do you like eating rice?' Notice that the question asks about a general habit or preference, not about one specific meal. Another recorded line asks about noodles: «你喜欢吃面条吗？». The English meaning is 'Do you like eating noodles?' Use these as your models. When you ask, keep your voice steady and let the question sound friendly. For this practice, use the foods in the recordings so you can compare your speech with the model.
Answering with like or dislike
Now practice short answers. A recorded line gives a simple positive answer: «喜欢。». The English meaning is 'I like it' or 'Yes, I do.' Another recorded line gives a fuller positive answer about noodles: «喜欢。我很喜欢吃面条。». The English meaning is 'Yes. I really like eating noodles.' For a negative answer, a recorded line says «我不喜欢香菜。». The English meaning is 'I don't like cilantro.' A softer negative answer appears in «不太喜欢。我不喜欢香菜。». The English meaning is 'Not really. I don't like cilantro.' Use these lines to answer clearly. You can answer with just the short form or with the fuller form, depending on how much detail you want to give.
Putting the exchange together
A natural exchange has two parts: a question and an answer. One recorded pair shows a question about noodles followed by a positive answer: «你喜欢吃面条吗？» and «喜欢。我很喜欢吃面条。». Another recorded pair shows a question about cilantro followed by a negative answer: «你喜欢香菜吗？» and «不太喜欢。我不喜欢香菜。». The English meanings are 'Do you like cilantro?' and 'Not really. I don't like cilantro.' When you practice, say the question first, then give the answer. Then switch roles. This helps you hear the rhythm of the conversation and become comfortable with both asking and answering. Keep your tone polite and your speed comfortable.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
我喜欢面条。
I like noodles.
wǒ xǐhuan miàntiáo
我不喜欢香菜。
I don't like cilantro.
wǒ bù xǐhuan xiāngcài
你喜欢吃米饭吗？
Do you like eating rice?
nǐ xǐhuan chī mǐfàn ma
喜欢。
I like it. / Yes, I do.
xǐhuan
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
你喜欢吃面条吗？
Do you like eating noodles?喜欢。我很喜欢吃面条。
Yes. I really like eating noodles.你喜欢香菜吗？
Do you like cilantro?不太喜欢。我不喜欢香菜。
Not really. I don't like cilantro.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: ask and answer about noodles
You will practice a short exchange about noodles. One person asks the question, and the other person gives a positive answer. Use the recorded lines as your models.
Your task: First, listen to «你喜欢吃面条吗？» and repeat it until you can say it smoothly. Then listen to «喜欢。我很喜欢吃面条。» and repeat it. Now take both roles: say the question from «你喜欢吃面条吗？», then answer with «喜欢。我很喜欢吃面条。». Do this three times, switching roles each time. If you are practicing with a partner, one person asks and the other answers, then switch.
Reply comprehension: choose the right answer
You will hear the recorded question «你喜欢香菜吗？» and choose the correct answer from two recorded options. This helps you understand the meaning of the recorded lines.
Your task: Listen to the question in «你喜欢香菜吗？», which means 'Do you like cilantro?' Now choose the correct answer: Option A is «喜欢。», meaning 'I like it. / Yes, I do.' Option B is «不太喜欢。我不喜欢香菜。», meaning 'Not really. I don't like cilantro.' Say your chosen answer out loud. Then check the follow-up to see if you were right.
Recall and role-play: ask and answer about rice
You will recall the question and answer about rice, then practice both roles without looking at the lines. This builds your memory and fluency.
Your task: First, try to remember the question about rice from the recordings. Say it out loud. Then give a positive answer using the short form from the recordings. After that, switch roles: imagine someone asks you the same question, and you answer positively. Do this twice. If you need help, listen to «你喜欢吃米饭吗？» for the question and «喜欢。» for the answer.
Common questions
Can I use a different food word instead of the ones in the recordings?
For this practice, use the foods from the recordings so you can compare your speech with the models. Once you are comfortable, you can try replacing the food word with another one you have learned, but keep the same question and answer pattern.
How do I know if my answer is correct?
Each exercise includes a follow-up with the correct answer from the recordings. After you speak, compare what you said with the recorded line. If it matches, you are correct. If not, listen again and repeat until you can say it smoothly.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: state food preferencesChecked September 2026
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