Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “take away” in Cantonese! Whether you’re visiting Hong Kong or simply interested in learning the vibrant Cantonese language, we have you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express “take away” in Cantonese, focusing primarily on the standard dialect used in Hong Kong. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to say “take away”!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When it comes to formal situations, such as using polite language with strangers or in professional settings, it’s essential to use the appropriate terms. Here are some formal ways to say “take away” in Cantonese:
1. 外賣 (ngoi6 maai6)
The term “外賣” (‘ngoi6 maai6’) is the most common way to express “take away” in Cantonese. It is widely used in Hong Kong and carries the same meaning as “take away” or “takeout” in English. This term can be used in various contexts, such as ordering food from a restaurant, getting coffee to go, or buying packaged food items.
Example:
我要買個三文治外賣。 (ngo5 jiu3 maai5 go3 saam1 man4 zi6 ngoi6 maai6)
Translation: I’d like to buy a sandwich to take away.
2. 外帶 (ngoi6 daai3)
Another formal term for “take away” is “外帶” (‘ngoi6 daai3’). This term is commonly used in restaurants or cafes, indicating that you want to take the food or beverage with you instead of consuming it on-site.
Example:
我想外帶一杯咖啡。 (ngo5 soeng2 ngoi6 daai3 jat1 bui1 gaa1 fe1)
Translation: I’d like to take away a cup of coffee.
Informal Expressions:
In casual or informal situations, such as chatting with friends or family, you can use the following expressions to say “take away” in Cantonese:
1. 拎走 (ling1 zau2)
“拎走” (‘ling1 zau2’) is a commonly used informal term for “take away” in daily conversations. It conveys the same idea but in a more relaxed manner. This expression is often used when talking about taking food, drinks, or any objects away from a place.
Example:
我去買杯咖啡拎走。 (ngo5 heoi3 maai5 bui1 gaa1 fe1 ling1 zau2)
Translation: I’m going to buy a coffee to take away.
2. 㩒返 (kit3 faan1)
Another informal expression for “take away” is “㩒返” (‘kit3 faan1’). Although this term is less commonly used than the others, it is still understood among Cantonese speakers. It is mostly used when referring to taking food or drink away from a restaurant or café.
Example:
我要㩒返個包。 (ngo5 jiu3 kit3 faan1 go3 baau1)
Translation: I want to take away a bun.
Tips and Regional Variations:
Here are some additional tips and regional variations to keep in mind when using the above expressions:
- As mentioned earlier, the terms mentioned above are primarily used in Hong Kong and surrounding areas where Cantonese is widely spoken. In other regions that speak Cantonese, such as Guangdong province in mainland China, the specific terms may vary slightly.
- When ordering food for take away, it is common to use the phrase “我要外賣” (‘ngo5 jiu3 ngoi6 maai6’), which means “I’d like takeout.”
- If you’re unsure about whether a specific restaurant offers takeout options, you can ask by saying “你有冇得外賣？” (‘nei5 jau5 mou5 dak1 ngoi6 maai6’), which translates to “Do you offer takeout?”.
- Remember to use polite language and add phrases like “請” (‘ceng2’) meaning “please” when ordering take away, to show courtesy.
By now, you should feel more confident in expressing “take away” in Cantonese. Whether you opt for the formal expressions in professional settings or the informal ones among friends, learning and incorporating these terms into your Cantonese vocabulary will undoubtedly enhance your language skills and cultural understanding. Enjoy exploring the fascinating world of Cantonese and have fun practicing these phrases!
