When visiting Hong Kong, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic phrases to help you navigate the local culture and communicate with ease. One important term to know is “take away,” which refers to getting food to go. In this guide, we will explore several formal and informal ways to say “take away” in Hong Kong, including any regional variations that may exist. Throughout the guide, we will provide useful tips and examples to ensure you feel confident using these phrases in various situations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Take Away”
If you prefer to use formal language in your conversations, here are a few ways to say “take away” in Hong Kong:
- 帶走 (daai zau): This term is commonly used in formal settings and can be translated directly as “take away.” It is widely understood and accepted throughout Hong Kong.
- 外帶 (ngoi toi): Another formal term, “ngoi toi” is often used in restaurants and cafes to refer to “take away.” It is commonly seen on menus and signage.
- 攞外賣 (lo ngoi maai): This phrase is often used in formal situations and means “get take away” in Cantonese. It can be used to specifically request take away services at restaurants or food stalls.
Informal Ways to Say “Take Away”
If you want to adopt a more casual tone in your conversations, you can use the following informal ways to say “take away” in Hong Kong:
- 打包 (daa baau): This term is widely used in informal settings and can be translated as “pack up” or “to-go.” It is commonly used when you want to take your remaining food home after dining at a restaurant.
- 買外賣 (maai ngoi maai): “Maai ngoi maai” is commonly used informally to mean “buy take away.” It is used when you want to order food for take away from a restaurant or a street food vendor.
- 帶 (daai): In casual conversations with friends or family, you can simply use the word “daai” on its own to indicate that you want to take away the food.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you use these phrases effectively:
TIP: When using any of these expressions, it is helpful to add the word “食” (sik) before the phrase. This emphasizes that you want to take away food specifically. For example, “食外賣” (sik ngoi maai) means “get take away food.”
Example 1: 個包裹 / 一個餐 / 一餐
Translation: One package / one meal
Pronunciation: Gor baau go / yat go chaan / yat chaan
Example 2: 我要帶走這個 / 呢個
Translation: I want to take away this one / this
Pronunciation: Ngo yiu daai zau je go / ni go
Example 3: 能打包嗎?
Translation: Can I pack it up?
Pronunciation: Nang daa baau maa?
Example 4: 四盒飯
Translation: Four boxes of rice
Pronunciation: Sei hap faan
Example 5: 一份買外賣
Translation: One order of take away food
Pronunciation: Yat fan maai ngoi maai
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to try these expressions with locals, who will appreciate your efforts to speak their language. Enjoy your time in Hong Kong and savor the delicious local cuisine!
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to say “take away” in various formal and informal ways in Hong Kong. Whether you choose to use the formal expressions such as “帶走 (daai zau)” or the more casual terms like “打包 (daa baau),” you’ll be able to confidently navigate the local food scene and enjoy your meals on the go.
