How to Say “I am vegetarian” in Chinese
Food and dining · HSK 3
Quick Answer
"I am vegetarian" in Chinese is 我吃素 (wǒ chī sù). 我吃素 (wǒ chī sù) or 我是素食者 (I am a vegetarian). Vegan is 纯素 (chún sù).
Primary translation
我吃素
wǒ chī sù
Variants by register
Casual
我不吃肉
wǒ bù chī ròu
When to use it
我吃素 (wǒ chī sù) or 我是素食者 (I am a vegetarian). Vegan is 纯素 (chún sù). In China 素 commonly excludes meat but may still include eggs, dairy, and fish; confirm with 鸡蛋 (egg), 海鲜 (seafood), 牛奶 (milk) if needed. Many dishes carry hidden meat stock; ask 里面有肉吗 (does this have meat?). Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants are 素食馆 (sùshí guǎn) and are reliably strict.
Example sentences
我吃素，不吃肉。
Wǒ chī sù, bù chī ròu.
I am vegetarian, I do not eat meat.
这个菜里面有肉吗？
Zhège cài lǐmiàn yǒu ròu ma?
Does this dish have meat?
有没有素食的选择？
Yǒu méi yǒu sùshí de xuǎnzé?
Are there vegetarian options?