不要挑食
bùyào tiāoshí
Don't be a picky eater
不要挑食 (bú yào tiāoshí) means 'don't be a picky eater' or 'don't pick at your food'. It is a common phrase used by parents to encourage children to eat a variety of foods.
What does 不要挑食 (bùyào tiāoshí) mean?
不要挑食 (bùyào tiāoshí) means “don't be a picky eater” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “don't pick at food.”
When to use it
Often heard in family settings, especially from parents to children, urging them to eat all their food. It's a common parental admonishment at the dinner table.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “boo-YOW tyao-SHRR.” 不 is said rising (bú) because 要, a fourth tone, follows; 要 falls; 挑 is high and level; 食 rises.
Other ways to say it
- 别挑食bié tiāoshídon't pick at food (casual)
- 好好吃饭hǎohao chīfàneat properly
- 多吃点儿duōchī diǎnreat a bit more
Examples
孩子，不要挑食，多吃蔬菜。
háizi, bùyào tiāoshí, duōchī shūcài.
Child, don't be a picky eater, eat more vegetables.
你不要总是挑食，这样身体才会健康。
nǐ bùyào zǒngshì tiāoshí, zhèyàng shēntǐ cáihuì jiànkāng.
You must not be a picky eater; only then will your body be healthy.
妈妈常说，不要挑食，什么都要尝一尝。
māma chángshuō, bùyào tiāoshí, shénme dōu yào chángyīcháng.
Mom often says, don't be a picky eater, try everything.
Pro tip: 挑食 (tiāoshí) specifically refers to being selective about food, not just refusing to eat. It implies a habit of disliking certain types of food.
Related phrases
渴不渴？ · Are you thirsty再吃一口 · One more bite吃水果吧 · Have some fruit
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