Main
MAYN /meɪn/
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
Short for "main course" — the biggest dish of your meal. What Americans call an entrée. Waiters ask "Are you ready to order mains?"
Chinese explanation
"Main course"（主菜）的简称，是一餐里最主要的一道菜，相当于美式英语的 entrée。服务员会问"Are you ready to order mains?"（可以点主菜了吗）。
Example conversation
A: Any starters, or straight to mains?
B: Straight to mains for us, please.
A：要前菜吗，还是直接点主菜？
B：我们直接点主菜，谢谢。
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake