外带
wàidài
In Chinese, the phrase for take away is 外带 (wàidài).
The term 外带 is used when you want to remove something and put it in a different place, specifically referring to ordering food to be eaten elsewhere. To express that you want your food to go, you can use the phrase 要外带 (yào wàidài).
Meaning: to remove something and put it in a different place (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 外 (wài), meaning 'outside' and 带 (dài), meaning 'to carry' or 'to bring'.
Which one should you use?
While 外带 refers to ordering food to be eaten elsewhere, 打包 refers to packing up leftovers from a meal to take home.
Is it said differently in some regions?
外带 is the standard term used in Taiwan for food to-go or take-out services.
How do you pronounce it?
wàidài
Did you know?
- The character 带 (dài) in 外带 is the same character used in the word 'belt', implying that the food is something you 'wear' or 'carry' on your person.
- In mainland China, the term 外卖 (wàimài) often refers specifically to the food delivery service that comes to your door, rather than just the act of picking up food yourself.
- In a formal dining setting in China, asking for 打包 (dǎbāo) is common, but the verb 打包 itself originally referred to the act of wrapping goods in a bundle.
Examples in context
- 我想要一个汉堡，可以外带吗？I would like a hamburger, can I have it for take away?
- 我吃不完，可以打包带走吗？I can't finish it, can I take it away?
- 明天想点外卖，你有什么推荐？I want to order take away tomorrow, do you have any recommendations?
- 这里的咖啡可以外带吗？Zhèlǐ de kāfēi kěyǐ wàidài ma?Can the coffee here be taken away?
Example conversation
At a small coffee shop, Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are ordering.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你想在这里喝吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ xiǎng zài zhèlǐ hē ma?Xiaowen, do you want to drink it here?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我想外带，比较方便。Wǒ xiǎng wàidài, bǐjiào fāngbiàn.I want to take it away, it's more convenient.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那我就点两杯外带的。Nà wǒ jiù diǎn liǎng bēi wàidài de.Then I will order two to go.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好的，志强。Hǎo de, Zhìqiáng.Okay, Zhiqiang.
