Whether you’re traveling to Japan, ordering food at a local Japanese restaurant, or simply expanding your language skills, knowing how to say “take out” in Japanese is incredibly useful. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this concept in Japanese, with some additional tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Expressions for “Take Out”
When it comes to formal situations or communicating with unfamiliar people, it’s important to use polite language. Here are a few phrases you can use to mean “take out” in a formal context:
1. 持ち帰り (Mochikaeri)
Derived from the verb 持ち帰る (mochikaeru), which means “to bring something back,” 持ち帰り (mochikaeri) is the most formal way to say “take out” in Japanese. It is commonly used in formal settings, such as high-end restaurants or business establishments.
Example: レストランでお弁当を持ち帰ります。(Resutoran de obentō o mochikaerimasu.) – I will take out a bento box from the restaurant.
2. お持ち帰り (O-mochikaeri)
This phrase is a more honorific version of 持ち帰り (mochikaeri). By adding the honorific prefix お- (o-) to the phrase, you show extra respect to the listener or the establishment.
Example: お寿司をお持ち帰りします。(O-sushi o o-mochikaeri shimasu.) – I will take out sushi.
Informal Expressions for “Take Out”
When communicating with friends, family, or in casual settings, you can use less formal expressions to mean “take out.” Here are two commonly used informal phrases:
1. 持ち帰る (Mochikaeru)
The informal form of the formal expression, 持ち帰る (mochikaeru) can be used without any suffixes in casual conversations. This phrase is simple and widely understood.
Example: 昨日の夕飯を持ち帰ってもいい？(Kinō no yūhan o mochikaette mo ii?) – Can I take the leftovers from last night’s dinner?
2. お持ち帰り (O-mochikaeri)
This informal expression is the same as the formal version, but without the honorific prefix. It is used among friends and peers in everyday conversations.
Example: ショッピングデートの後、コーヒーをお持ち帰りしよう。(Shoppingu dēto no ato, kōhī o o-mochikaeri shiyō.) – Let’s get some coffee to take out after our shopping date.
Tips and Additional Information
Here are some additional tips and information to enhance your understanding of how to say “take out” in Japanese:
- Understanding 店内席 (Ten-naiseki): In some cases, Japanese restaurants may have designated areas for dine-in and take-out. If you wish to eat inside the establishment, look for the phrase 店内席 (ten-naiseki), which means “indoor seating.” If you prefer take-out, look for the phrase 持ち帰り (mochikaeri).
- Pointing and Using Visuals: If you’re unsure how to communicate your desire to order take-out, don’t worry! Many Japanese establishments provide menus with pictures, or you can simply point to the items you want. The staff will understand and assist you accordingly.
- Adding ください (Kudasai) for Politeness: To make your request more polite, you can add ください (kudasai) at the end of the sentence. For example, ピザを持ち帰ってください。(Piza o mochikaette kudasai.) – Please take out the pizza.
Remember, the specific phrases and customs may vary depending on the region or establishment you visit. However, the expressions provided in this guide should work well in most situations throughout Japan.
Now that you have a better grasp of how to say “take out” in Japanese, you can confidently order take-out, mingle with locals, and enjoy a delicious meal wherever your Japanese adventures take you. Happy exploring!
