How to Say “Chopsticks or fork?” in Chinese
Food and dining · HSK 2
"Chopsticks or fork?" in Chinese is 筷子还是叉子？ (Kuàizi háishi chāzi?). 还是 háishi is the 'or' used in questions where you're offering a choice; not 或者 huòzhě, which is the 'or' for statements. Mix them up and you'll sound off.
Primary translation
筷子还是叉子？
Kuàizi háishi chāzi?
Traditional: 筷子還是叉子？
When to use it
还是 háishi is the 'or' used in questions where you're offering a choice; not 或者 huòzhě, which is the 'or' for statements. Mix them up and you'll sound off. In Mainland restaurants, forks (叉子) are often only brought out for foreigners or kids, so expect a small grin if you ask. Never stick your chopsticks upright in rice; it resembles incense at a funeral and makes everyone uncomfortable. The measure word for chopsticks is 双 shuāng (a pair): 一双筷子.
Example sentences
您用筷子还是叉子？
Nín yòng kuàizi háishi chāzi?
Will you be using chopsticks or a fork?
我用筷子就行，谢谢。
Wǒ yòng kuàizi jiù xíng, xièxie.
Chopsticks are fine for me, thanks.
能再给我一双筷子吗？
Néng zài gěi wǒ yì shuāng kuàizi ma?
Could you bring me another pair of chopsticks?