vaso para llevar
/baso paɾa ʝebaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "to go cup" is translated into Spanish as vaso para llevar.
The phrase refers to a disposable cup used for drinks that are taken away from a cafe or restaurant. The standard part of the phrase, para llevar, is used in restaurants and cafes to indicate that food or drink is for takeout rather than for consumption on the premises.
Which one should you use?
In Latin America you may also hear the phrase vaso para llevarse. In certain parts of Mexico, the term café para llevar is used specifically to mean "coffee to go".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Mexico, the term café para llevar is used. In Latin America, the phrase vaso para llevarse is often used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a single cup, you add the indefinite article un before the phrase to get un vaso para llevar.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word vaso is used for a drinking glass, whereas a coffee cup with a handle is called a taza. A vaso para llevar specifically describes the cylindrical shape of a disposable cup.
- The verb in the phrase, llevar, shares an ancestor with the English word 'levitate' because both come from the Latin word for 'to lift'.
- In Spanish, the word vaso is the standard term for a drinking glass. This means a vaso para llevar is literally a 'glass for carrying', even though it is made of paper or plastic.
Examples in context
- ¿Me puede dar un vaso para llevar, por favor?Could you give me a to go cup, please?
- Me gustaría un café en un vaso desechable, por favorI would like a coffee in a disposable cup, please
- Oye, ¿me pasas un vaso para llevar?Hey, can you pass me a to go cup?
- Dame un café con leche, por favor. En un vaso desechable, si es posibleGive me a latte, please. In a disposable cup, if possible
- Dame un café para llevar, por favorGive me a coffee to go, please
- ¿Me das un vaso para llevar, por favor?Can I have a to-go cup, please?
- El camarero trajo un vaso para llevar.The waiter brought a to-go cup.
Example conversation
At a coffee shop, Alejandro is ordering for himself and María.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿quieres beber tu café aquí?Alejandro, do you want to drink your coffee here?
- AlejandroNo, prefiero un vaso para llevar.No, I prefer a to-go cup.
- MaríaEstá bien, yo pediré el mío también.That is fine, I will order mine too.
- AlejandroGracias, María.Thanks, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llevar, para, vaso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
