Chinese phrases
How to say to go in Chinese
To go in Chinese is 带走 (dài zǒu), “take it away.” To ask staff to pack food up, for takeaway or for leftovers, say 打包 (dǎ bāo).
带走
to go; to take away
Ways to say to go
带走
Everydayto go; to take away
The answer when staff ask 在这里吃还是带走. You can also say it as you order.
打包
Everydayto pack (food) to go
For takeaway, and for leftovers at the end of a meal. The staff put the food in boxes.
能打包吗
Everydaycan you pack this up?
At the end of a meal, for what is left. Taking leftovers home is normal in China.
外带
Writtentakeaway; to go
On the screens and ordering pages of coffee and fast-food chains, next to 堂食, eat in.
外卖
Everydaydelivery; delivered food
Food that you order on an app and a rider brings. Not the word for takeaway at the counter.
What staff ask
在这里吃还是带走
for here or to go?
At a counter, a café or a fast-food place. Answer 在这里吃 or 带走.
要袋子吗
do you need a bag?
Bags often cost a little. Say 要 or 不用了.
Common mistakes
Saying 外卖 at the counter
外卖 is food that is delivered to you. When you take it with you, say 带走 or 打包.
Leaving your leftovers
Many learners feel that asking for leftovers is impolite. In China it is normal to take them home. Ask 能打包吗.
At a café counter
在这里吃还是带走？
Barista: For here or to go?
带走。
Qiqi: To go.
要袋子吗？
Barista: Do you need a bag?
不用了，谢谢。
Qiqi: No thanks.
