注文したいです
chuumon shitai desu
The Japanese phrase for "I want to order" is 注文したいです (chuumon shitai desu).
This phrase is used to tell a server or clerk that you are ready to request food or services. It is natural to precede 注文したいです with すみません (excuse me) to get the server's attention.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 注文 (chuumon) means "order".
Which one should you use?
While 注文したいです is grammatically correct, 注文お願いします (order, please) is a very common and natural way to say "I'd like to order" in a restaurant setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
注文したいです is a formal way to say "I want to order". In contrast, 注文したいんだけど and 注文したいんだ are informal ways to express the same thing. 頼みたいんだけど is also an informal option.
How do you pronounce it?
chuumon shitai desu
Did you know?
- The kanji 注 in 注文 means 'to pour' or 'to concentrate', reflecting the historical idea of focusing one's attention on a specific request.
- In high-end Japanese dining, such as Kaiseki, you often do not say 注文したいです at all. Instead, the chef or server will present a set menu, and you simply acknowledge the selection through subtle gestures or brief affirmative sounds.
- In many Japanese restaurants, you do not need to call a server to say 注文したいです because tables are equipped with a 呼出ボタン (call button) to signal the staff.
Examples in context
- ラーメンを一杯お願いします。One bowl of ramen, please.
- すみません、注文したいです。Sumimasen, chuumon shitai desu.Excuse me, I want to order.
- 準備ができたので、注文したいです。Junbi ga dekita node, chuumon shitai desu.I am ready, so I want to order.
- そろそろ注文したいです。Sorosoro chuumon shitai desu.I want to order soon.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くん、注文したいです。Ren-kun, chūmon shitai desu.Ren, I want to order.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんはもう決めたの？Misaki-san wa mō kimeta no?Have you already decided, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、パンケーキにします。hai, pankēki ni shimasu.Yes, I'll have the pancakes.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、店員さんを呼ぼう。jaa, ten'in-san o yobō.Then, let's call the server.
