不要辣
bùyào là
Not spicy, please
不要辣 (bú yào là) means "not spicy, please." It's a common and essential phrase to use when ordering food if you prefer your dish without chili or spice.
What does 不要辣 (bùyào là) mean?
不要辣 (bùyào là) means “not spicy, please” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “don't want spicy.”
When to use it
Neutral and direct. It's appropriate for most restaurant situations. If you want "mildly spicy," say 微辣 (wēi là). If you want "no chili," you can say 不要辣椒 (bú yào làjiāo).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “boo YOW lah.” The first syllable 'bú' is a rising tone, 'yào' is a falling tone, and 'là' is also a falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 不要放辣bùyào fàng làdon't add chili
- 微辣wēilàmildly spicy
Examples
我不要辣，谢谢。
wǒ bùyào là, xièxie.
I don't want spicy, thank you.
这个菜可以做不要辣的吗？
zhège cài kěyǐ zuò bùyào là de ma?
Can this dish be made non-spicy?
请给我一份不要辣的麻婆豆腐。
qǐng gěi wǒ yī fèn bùyào là de mápó dòufu.
Please give me a non-spicy Mapo Tofu.
Pro tip: In regions famous for spicy food like Sichuan and Hunan, it's crucial to say 不要辣 when you order, not after the food is served.
Related phrases
来一个这个 · One of these, please再来一个 · One more, please微辣 · Mildly spicy
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