Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “take away” in Chinese! Whether you’re planning a trip to a Chinese-speaking country or simply want to enhance your language skills, knowing how to express this concept can be extremely useful. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “take away” in Chinese, discuss any regional variations if necessary, and provide you with helpful tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “Take Away” in Chinese
When it comes to formal contexts in Chinese, such as when ordering food in a restaurant, you can use the following phrases to convey the concept of “take away”.
1. 外带 (wài dài)
This is a commonly used term in Mainland China to refer to “take away”. The characters 外带 literally mean “outside to take”. If you’re in China, using this phrase will ensure that you are easily understood.
Example: 我想要一个汉堡，可以外带吗？ (Wǒ xiǎng yào yī gè hàn bǎo, kěyǐ wài dài ma?) – I would like a hamburger, can I have it for take away?
2. 外帶 (wài dài) – Traditional Chinese
In regions where Traditional Chinese characters are used, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, you can use the term “外帶” to convey the same meaning as “外带”. The pronunciation is the same but the character for “带” is different.
Example: 我想要一個漢堡，可以外帶嗎？ (Ngóh seung yiu gó yāt hòhn bou, hó yi wáai dai ma?) – I would like a hamburger, can I have it for take away?
Informal ways to say “Take Away” in Chinese
Informal situations call for more relaxed language, regardless of the region. Here are a couple of phrases you can use to convey “take away” when conversing with friends or in casual settings.
1. 打包 (dǎ bāo)
In informal contexts, especially in Mainland China, people commonly say “打包” to mean “take away” or “pack up”. This phrase is popularly used when taking food to go in local eateries.
Example: 我吃不完，可以打包带走吗？ (Wǒ chī bù wán, kěyǐ dǎ bāo dài zǒu ma?) – I can’t finish it, can I take it away?
2. 外卖 (wài mài)
“外卖” is a widely recognized term in Mainland China for “take away” or “delivery”. Although it primarily refers to food delivery, it can also be used when picking up food yourself.
Example: 明天想点外卖，你有什么推荐？ (Míngtiān xiǎng diǎn wài mài, nǐ yǒu shénme tuījiàn?) – I want to order take away tomorrow, do you have any recommendations?
Tips for Using “Take Away” Phrases in Chinese
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when utilizing these phrases:
1. Non-Standard Dialects and Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout Chinese-speaking regions, it’s important to note that variations can exist in different dialects or local slang. If you are in a specific region, it might be useful to ask locals for the most commonly used phrase to avoid confusion.
2. Politeness and Tone
When using these phrases, remember to include common polite expressions such as “请” (qǐng) meaning “please” to maintain a courteous tone. Adding “谢谢” (xièxiè) meaning “thank you” after making your request is also a good practice.
3. Pronunciation and Tones
Chinese is a tonal language, so pay attention to the correct pronunciation of each character and the corresponding tone. Practice the phrases with a native speaker if possible to ensure you are understood accurately.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “take away” in Chinese, both formally and informally. By using the phrases mentioned in this guide, you will be able to confidently order take away food or express your preference for packing up unfinished meals. Remember to adapt your language according to the context and be mindful of any regional variations. With practice, you’ll become more fluent in Chinese and navigate effortlessly through various situations. Happy learning!
