Starter
STAR-ter /ˈstɑːtə/
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
The first, small course of a meal — what Americans call an appetizer. UK menus are usually divided into starters, mains and desserts (or puddings).
Chinese explanation
正餐的第一道小份菜——美式英语叫 appetizer。英国菜单一般分为 starters（前菜）、mains（主菜）和 desserts/puddings（甜点）。
Example conversation
A: Shall we get starters?
B: Let's share the calamari — it's squid, is that OK with everyone?
A：要点前菜吗？
B：一起分个炸鱿鱼圈吧——是鱿鱼，大家都能吃吗？
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake