Chinese phrases
How to say no spicy in Chinese
No spicy in Chinese is 不要辣 (bú yào là), “I don’t want chili.” Say it when you order, or when the staff ask 要辣吗.
不要辣
no chili, please
Ways to say no spicy
不要辣
Everydayno chili, please
When you order. Add it after the dish: 这个不要辣.
少放辣
Everydaygo easy on the chili
When you like a little heat, but less than the kitchen’s normal.
微辣
Everydaymildly spicy
The lowest spicy level on many menus and ordering pages. Above it are 中辣, medium, and 特辣, very hot.
我不能吃辣
EverydayI can’t eat spicy food
It gives the reason, so staff know it is not just a preference.
一点辣都不要
Everydayno chili at all
When it really matters, for a child or a sensitive stomach.
Questions about spice
这个辣不辣
is this spicy?
Ask before you order. 辣 on its own means spicy hot.
能吃辣吗
can you eat spicy food?
What staff and hosts ask you. Answer 能 or 不能.
有不辣的吗
is there anything that’s not spicy?
Useful in a Sichuan or Hunan restaurant, where most dishes are hot.
Common mistakes
Trusting 微辣
微辣 is mild for the kitchen, not for you. In Sichuan, Hunan or Chongqing, start with 不要辣.
A falling tone on 不
不要辣 is bú yào là. 不 rises before the fourth tone of 要.
Forgetting 麻
Many Sichuan dishes also have 麻, the numbing tingle of 花椒, Sichuan pepper. A dish with no chili can still be 麻, so ask for 不要麻 too.
Ordering
服务员，这个辣不辣？
Leon: Excuse me, is this spicy?
有点辣。
Waiter: A bit.
那不要辣，可以吗？
Leon: Then no chili, OK?
可以，没问题。
Waiter: Sure, no problem.
