Greetings! If you’re looking to explore the vibrant culinary scene in a Portuguese-speaking country, it’s essential to know how to express the concept of “take away food”. In Portuguese, you can convey this notion formally or informally, depending on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Let’s dive in and discover the various ways to say “take away food” in Portuguese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When conversing in formal situations or addressing someone with respect, these phrases will serve you well:
1. Comida para levar
The most common and straightforward way to say “take away food” in Portuguese is “comida para levar”. It is widely understood and used in both Portugal and Brazil.
Here are a few examples of how you can use this phrase:
- Por favor, gostaria de pedir comida para levar. (Please, I would like to order take away food.)
- Você tem um cardápio de comida para levar? (Do you have a take away menu?)
- Seria possível empacotar a comida para levar? (Would it be possible to pack the food for take away?)
2. Alimentação para viagem
An alternative expression for “take away food” is “alimentação para viagem”. Although less common, it is still understood and respected in formal contexts.
Here are a few examples:
- Por favor, poderia me indicar um lugar com alimentação para viagem? (Could you please recommend a place with take away food?)
- Estou com pressa, então preciso de alimentação para viagem. (I’m in a hurry, so I need take away food.)
Informal Expressions
Now, let’s explore some informal ways to express “take away food” in Portuguese. These expressions are better suited for casual conversations, among friends or acquaintances:
1. Marmitex
In Brazil, a popular term for “take away food” is “marmitex”. It refers specifically to a pre-packed meal in a container suitable for transporting.
Consider these examples:
- Meu restaurante favorito faz um marmitex incrível! (My favorite restaurant makes an amazing take away meal!)
- Estou com preguiça de cozinhar, então vou pedir um marmitex. (I’m too lazy to cook, so I’ll order a take away meal.)
2. “Para levar”
Another informal expression that is commonly used to mean “for take away” in Portugal and Brazil is simply saying “para levar”. It’s a more casual way to make your request for take away food.
Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Quero dois hambúrgueres e uma batata, por favor, para levar. (I want two hamburgers and one order of fries, please, for take away.)
- Vou querer um pedaço de bolo também, mas para levar. (I’ll also have a piece of cake, but to go.)
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely understood across Portuguese-speaking countries, there can be some regional variations. Here are a few examples:
1. “Marmita” – Regional Variation in Portugal
In Portugal, instead of “marmitex,” as mentioned earlier, people refer to take away food as “marmita”. It essentially conveys the same meaning.
Here’s how it can be used:
- Vou almoçar com os colegas de trabalho e levar uma marmita. (I’m going out for lunch with my coworkers and taking a packed lunch.)
- Quando você vai ao restaurante, costuma pedir marmita? (When you go to a restaurant, do you usually order take away food?)
2. “Marmitex” – Regional Variation in Brazil
In some regions of Brazil, specifically in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the term “marmitex” is also used to describe “take away food”. However, it might not be as common in other parts of the country.
For instance:
- Vou passar naquele restaurante para comprar um marmitex para jantar. (I’ll stop by that restaurant to buy take away food for dinner.)
- Todo domingo, faço questão de pedir marmitex. (Every Sunday, I make sure to order take away food.)
In Conclusion
Knowing how to express “take away food” in Portuguese is vital when it comes to navigating the local food scene. Whether you opt for a more formal expression like “comida para levar” or prefer an informal phrase like “marmitex,” you now have the tools to confidently interact with locals and enjoy delicious meals on the go.
Remember, the phrases mentioned here should cover most situations you encounter in Portuguese-speaking countries. So, go ahead, explore the diverse flavors and enjoy your take away food while immersing yourself in the rich culture of Portuguese-speaking communities!
