‘快餐’ literally means ‘fast meal’ — ‘快’ (kuài) means ‘fast’ or ‘quick’, and ‘餐’ (cān) means ‘meal’ or ‘food’. Together, they refer to prepared meals designed for rapid service and consumption, typically sold at restaurants, food courts, or delivery services. Unlike traditional Chinese meals that emphasize slow cooking and shared dishes, 快餐 prioritizes convenience, speed, and portability.

This term is widely used in urban China and covers both Western-style chains (like McDonald’s or KFC) and local adaptations such as baozi stands, noodle carts, or pre-packaged rice boxes. While often associated with affordability and efficiency, 快餐 can carry neutral or slightly negative connotations regarding nutrition or authenticity, depending on context. It’s common in discussions about modern lifestyles, student life, office work, and dietary habits.