Whether you are a traveler exploring the vibrant streets of Seoul or an avid fan of Korean cuisine looking for a quick meal to-go, knowing how to say takeaway in Korean can be immensely helpful. The concept of takeaway, also known as takeout or to-go, has become increasingly popular in South Korea due to hectic lifestyles and the need for convenient dining options. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “takeaway” in Korean, provide regional variations if necessary, and offer useful tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say Takeaway
If you prefer to use formal language or find yourself in a formal setting, the following phrases will come in handy:
- 포장해 주세요 (pojanghae juseyo): This is the most common and polite way to say “Please pack it up.” Simply use this phrase when ordering food at a restaurant or cafe, and the staff will understand that you want your food to be packed for takeaway.
- 포장해 주실 수 있나요? (pojanghae jusil su issnayo?): This phrase is a more polite way to ask if the establishment offers takeaway service. It translates to “Can you pack it up for me, please?” and is suitable for situations where you need to confirm their ability to provide takeaway options.
- 이거 포장 부탁해요 (igeo pojang butakhaeyo): An alternative way to request takeaway is by saying “Please pack this up.” Use this phrase when you want to specify which particular item you want to take away.
2. Informal Ways to Say Takeaway
When you are in a more casual environment or interacting with friends, using informal language is not only acceptable but often preferred. Here are some informal phrases you can use to express your desire for takeaway:
- 포장해 줘 (pojanghae jwo): This is a casual way of saying “Pack it up for me.” It is a straightforward and commonly used phrase among friends or in casual dining establishments.
- 가져다 줘 (gajyeoda jwo): This phrase translates to “Bring it for me.” Although it can be used interchangeably with “포장해 줘,” it emphasizes the act of bringing the food rather than specifically packaging it for takeaway.
- 이거 가져다 줘 (igeo gajyeoda jwo): If you want to be more specific about the item you wish to take away, this phrase translates to “Bring this for me.”
3. Regional Variations
While the above phrases are universally understood in South Korea, it’s worth noting that regional variations might exist. In some regions, you may come across unique ways to express the concept of takeaway. Here are a few examples:
- 테이크아웃 (teikeuaut): Borrowing from the English term, “테이크아웃” is commonly used in big cities like Seoul and Busan. You can confidently use this term to request takeaway at various dining establishments.
- 포장 (pojang): In certain regions, the term “포장” is used interchangeably with “포장해 주세요” to mean “pack it up.” So, if you hear someone ask “포장해 줄래요?” or “포장해 줄래?” they are simply requesting their food to be packed for takeaway.
4. Tips for Effective Communication
Now that you have learned how to say takeaway in Korean, here are some additional tips to enhance your communication:
Tip 1: When ordering takeaway, you can start your sentence with “메뉴 번호 X번 포장해 주세요” (Menu beonho X-bun pojanghae juseyo), which means “Please pack menu item number X.” This is especially useful if you’re in a busy establishment with numbered menus.
Tip 2: To express the quantity or number of items you want to take away, use the word “개 (gae)” after the item. For example, “김밥 한 개 포장해 주세요” (gimbap han gae pojanghae juseyo) means “One pack of gimbap, please.”
Tip 3: If you want to customize your takeaway order by requesting specific ingredients or excluding certain items, consider using phrases like “이거는 빼고 포장해 주세요” (igeoneun bbaego pojanghae juseyo), which means “Please pack it without this.”
Tip 4: Remember to always use polite endings such as “-세요” (seoyo) or “-해 주세요” (hae juseyo) to convey respect and politeness, regardless of whether you are using formal or informal language.
Tip 5: Non-verbal communication, such as simply holding up an empty container while making eye contact with the staff, is also effective in conveying your desire for takeaway if you’re unsure of the appropriate verbal phrase to use.
By following these tips and using the suggested phrases, you will be able to seamlessly navigate your way through Korean dining establishments and enjoy the convenience of takeaway whenever you need it!
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to say takeaway in Korean, both formally and informally. So go ahead, explore the bountiful flavors of Korean cuisine, and confidently express your preference for takeaway!
Safe travels and bon appétit!
