¿me da una caja para llevar?
The English phrase "can I get a to-go box?" can be translated into Spanish as ¿me da una caja para llevar?
This phrase is a request made at a restaurant when you want a container to take home leftover food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase una caja para llevar literally means "a box for carrying", where para llevar is the standard way to express "to go" or "takeout" in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
You might use ¿Me puede dar un recipiente para llevar? if you are requesting a container for leftovers that are in a bowl or a non-rectangular shape, as recipiente means "container" and is a common alternative to caja, which means "box".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are in a casual setting or speaking with someone your own age, you can use the informal version ¿Me das una caja para llevar? which uses the tú form.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common for the waiter to offer to pack your leftovers for you rather than bringing you a caja to do it yourself.
- The verb llevar comes from the Latin 'levare', which is the same root used in the English word 'levitate' to describe lifting or raising something.
- In some countries, asking for a caja para llevar might be met with confusion in high-end restaurants where leftovers are rarely taken home.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría darme un recipiente para llevar, por favor?Could you give me a container to go, please?
- Me podría proporcionar una caja para llevar, por favor?Could you provide me a box to go, please?
- ¿Me puedes dar un recipiente para llevar?Can you give me a container to go?
- ¿Puedo llevarme lo que sobra, por favor?Can I take with me what is left, please?
- ¿Me podés dar una cajita para llevar, por favor?Can you give me a little box to go, please?
- No puedo comer todo, ¿me da una caja para llevar?I can't eat it all, can I get a to-go box?
Example conversation
At a restaurant at the end of a meal.
- ElenaDisculpe, ¿me da una caja para llevar?Excuse me, can I get a to-go box?
- JavierSí, por supuesto. Un momento, por favor.Yes, of course. One moment, please.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Javier.Thank you very much, Javier.
- JavierDe nada, Elena. Que tenga un buen día.You're welcome, Elena. Have a nice day.
