微辣
wēi là
Mildly spicy
微辣 (wēilà) is a common term used in restaurants to describe a mild level of spiciness for food. It indicates that the dish will have just a hint of chili, suitable for those who enjoy a little kick but not intense heat.
What does 微辣 (wēi là) mean?
微辣 (wēi là) means “mildly spicy” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “slightly spicy.”
When to use it
Neutral and widely understood in Chinese restaurants. It's the go-to choice for ordering food with just a touch of spice. When ordering, you can simply say “我要微辣” (wǒ yào wēilà), “I want mildly spicy.”
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “WAY-lah.” Both syllables have falling tones, but the first is often said a bit lighter.
Other ways to say it
- 中辣zhōng làmedium spicy
- 特辣tè làextra spicy
- 不辣bù lànot spicy
Examples
请给我一份微辣的麻婆豆腐。
qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn wēi là de mápó dòufu.
Please give me a mildly spicy Mapo Tofu.
这个菜可以做微辣吗？
zhège cài kěyǐ zuò wēi là ma?
Can this dish be made mildly spicy?
我喜欢吃辣，但是微辣就够了。
wǒ xǐhuan chī là, dànshì wēi là jiù gòu le.
I like spicy food, but mildly spicy is enough.
Pro tip: When ordering, trust 微辣 (wēilà) if you prefer a gentle spice level. It genuinely means a mild heat, not a hidden inferno!
Related phrases
再来一个 · One more, please不要辣 · Not spicy, please少放盐 · Less salt, please
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