饮酒文化 Drinking Culture in Chinese
Ever wondered how to talk about alcohol in Chinese? Whether you’re planning a business dinner in Shanghai or a night out in Taipei, understanding drinking culture in Chinese-speaking regions can be your secret weapon for better connections and memorable experiences. Beyond just saying “Cheers,” let’s dive into the vocabulary and customs!
Alcohol Vocabulary
The basic terms for different types of alcohol.
Taiwan Beer vs Tsingtao
If you’re curious about trying a local Taiwanese beer, Taiwan Beer (台湾啤酒 táiwān píjiǔ) and 18 Days Draft Beer (18生 shēng) are the ones I’d recommend. Taiwan Beer has a light, slightly sweet taste thanks to the addition of locally grown rice. It’s refreshing and pairs perfectly with Taiwanese food. 18 Days Draft Beer is unpasteurized and meant to be enjoyed within 18 days, giving it an incredibly crisp, clean flavor.
On the other hand, Tsingtao (青岛啤酒 qīngdǎo píjiǔ) is a smooth, light lager from Qingdao, China, and it’s one of the most popular beers worldwide. Perfect with Chinese dishes like dumplings or hotpot!
Baijiu: Erguotou & Moutai
Erguotou (二锅头 èrguōtóu), a well-known baijiu originating from Beijing, is celebrated for its bold, fiery kick (typically 50-60% ABV). It has a grainy, earthy flavor, and is often enjoyed with hearty foods like lamb, beef, or traditional street snacks.
Moutai (茅台 máotái) is China’s top-tier liquor, often considered the national drink. Made from a unique fermentation process with sorghum and wheat, Moutai has a complex, rich flavor with earthy, floral notes. It’s famous for its smoothness and is highly prized during business meetings and big celebrations.
Taiwan’s Pride: Kavalan Whiskey
If you’re looking for a Taiwanese whiskey to try, Kavalan (噶玛兰威士忌 gémǎlán wēishìjì) is the standout! Known for its smooth, rich flavors, it’s aged in Taiwan’s hot and humid climate, which speeds up the maturation process and gives it a bold character with unique tropical notes like mango or passionfruit.
Taiwanese Gaoliang
If you’re into strong, bold flavors, Taiwanese Gaoliang (台湾高粱酒 táiwān gāoliángjiǔ) is a classic! Made from fermented sorghum, it’s known for its intense, crisp taste and high alcohol content—usually around 58%. It’s often sipped slowly or shared as shots at celebrations.
Common Drinking Phrases
Different Levels Of Drunk
From completely sober to blacking out, here is how to describe your state in Chinese.
Cultural Tips
1. Business Drinking (商务应酬)
- Never pour your own drink: Always pour for others first, and someone will pour for you.
- Hold your glass with two hands: When toasting seniors or bosses, use both hands to show respect.
- Wait for the host: The most senior person or the host usually leads the first toast before anyone starts drinking.
- Clink lower to show respect (碰杯 pèngbēi): *Crucial Rule!* When clinking glasses, always make sure the rim of your glass is lower than the rim of the senior person or boss. It’s a huge sign of respect and humility!
2. Regional Differences (地区差异)
- China: 白酒 (báijiǔ) culture is dominant, especially in formal business settings.
- Taiwan: More relaxed atmosphere. Beer, whiskey, and 高粱酒 (Gaoliang) are popular choices.
- Both regions: Karaoke (KTV) and drinking often go hand-in-hand for after-parties.
