打包
dǎbāo
To go, please or box it up
打包 (dǎbāo) is used in restaurants to ask for leftovers to be packed up to take home, or to order food for takeout. It literally means "to pack up" or "to make a package."
What does 打包 (dǎbāo) mean?
打包 (dǎbāo) means “to go, please or box it up” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “hit package / pack up.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's very common to ask to pack up leftovers in Chinese restaurants, and staff will readily provide boxes without judgment. You can also use it for ordering food to go.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “DAH-baow.” The first syllable is a dipping third tone, and the second is a high, flat first tone.
Other ways to say it
- 带走dàizǒutake away (general)
- 外带wàidàitake out (for food/drinks)
- 请给我打包qǐng gěi wǒ dǎbāoplease pack it for me
Examples
服务员，请帮我打包。
fúwùyuán, qǐng bāng wǒ dǎbāo.
Waiter, please help me pack this up.
吃不完的菜可以打包吗？
chī bù wán de cài kěyǐ dǎbāo ma?
Can I pack up the unfinished dishes?
我想打包这份面条。
wǒ xiǎng dǎbāo zhè fèn miàntiáo.
I'd like to pack up this noodle dish.
Pro tip: It's perfectly normal and common to ask to打包 (dǎbāo) your leftovers in China; it's not considered impolite or stingy.
Related phrases
我不吃猪肉 · I don't eat pork这个怎么吃？ · How do you eat this再来一瓶水 · Another bottle of water, please
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