吃豆腐 · chī dòu fu

Literally: eat tofu Usually means: take inappropriate liberties with someone

Not about lunch

If someone says another person is 吃豆腐, they are usually not talking about tofu. The phrase can refer to unwanted touching, flirtatious behaviour, or taking physical liberties with someone.

别趁机吃豆腐。Bié chènjī chī dòufu.Don’t use this as a chance to take advantage.

Important note

This phrase concerns boundaries and consent. It can appear in casual conversation, but it should never make unwanted behaviour sound cute or romantic.

Try another thing Chinese people “eat”

吃醋 — be jealous 吃独食 — refuse to share