Learning how to say “take away food” in Chinese can be useful when you visit Chinese-speaking regions or order food from Chinese restaurants. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, focusing on standard Mandarin Chinese. Additionally, we will share some tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Take Away Food” in Chinese
If you prefer a more formal expression for “take away food” in Chinese, you can use the term “外卖” (wài mài). This phrase is commonly used throughout China and is understood by most Chinese speakers. Here’s an example:
我想点一份外卖。(Wǒ xiǎng diǎn yī fèn wài mài.) – I would like to order take away food.
As you can see, “外卖” is a straightforward and widely recognized term in formal contexts.
Informal Ways to Say “Take Away Food” in Chinese
Informally, Chinese speakers often use the phrase “打包” (dǎ bāo) to refer to “take away food”. This term is more commonly used in daily conversations and is understood across most Chinese-speaking regions. Here’s an example of how to use it:
你们这家店可以打包吗？(Nǐmen zhè jiā diàn kěyǐ dǎ bāo ma?) – Can I get this food to go?
“打包” literally means “to pack,” so it reflects the action of packaging food for take away.
Tips for Ordering Take Away Food in Chinese
When ordering take away food in Chinese, it’s helpful to keep in mind a few additional tips:
- Be Polite: Chinese culture places importance on politeness, so be sure to use polite language when ordering.
- Use Common Phrases: Beyond knowing how to say “take away food,” familiarize yourself with other common food-related phrases to ease the ordering process.
- Specify Your Order: Clearly communicate the dish names and quantities you desire to avoid confusion.
- Learn Numbers: Knowing how to count from one to ten in Mandarin Chinese can be helpful when conveying quantities.
Examples of Ordering Take Away Food in Chinese
Let’s look at a few examples to help you practice ordering take away food in Chinese:
Example 1:
Customer: 请给我一份宫保鸡丁打包。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn gōng bǎo jī dīng dǎ bāo.)
Staff: 好的，马上给您打包。(Hǎo de, mǎ shàng gěi nín dǎ bāo.)
Example 2:
Customer: 我要两份麻婆豆腐。 (Wǒ yào liǎng fèn má pó dòu fǔ.)
Staff: 两份麻婆豆腐，好的。(Liǎng fèn má pó dòu fǔ, hǎo de.)
Remember to modify these examples based on your preferences and dietary requirements.
Regional Variations
While “外卖” (wài mài) and “打包” (dǎ bāo) are generally understood throughout China, it’s worth noting that some regional variations exist. For example, in Cantonese, spoken in regions like Hong Kong and Guangdong province, the term “外卖” (ngoi6 mai6) is commonly used. This variation emphasizes the importance of regional dialects when visiting different parts of China.
However, for practical purposes, using “外卖” and “打包” is sufficient for most situations, even in regions with dialectal variations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to say “take away food” in Chinese can greatly enhance your dining experience in Chinese-speaking regions or when ordering from Chinese restaurants. Remember to use “外卖” (wài mài) in formal contexts and “打包” (dǎ bāo) in informal settings. Additionally, be polite, learn common food-related phrases, and specify your order to ensure clarity. Practice the examples provided and enjoy the delicious variety of Chinese cuisine!
