What it means
吃了吗? means "Have you eaten?" Literally, it asks about food. Culturally, it can be a warm greeting, especially from older people or in familiar settings.
Chinese吃了吗?
Pinyinchi le ma?
Natural meaningHave you eaten? / How are you?
Mini dialogue
A: 吃了吗?
B: 吃了, 谢谢!
A: Have you eaten? B: Yes, thanks!
GoGo Tip
Do not always treat it as a dinner invitation. It often works like a friendly "How are you?" in context.
Related real-life phrases
Learn more phrases where culture changes the meaning: 给面子, 算了, and Chinese for Social Situations.