Ask for common polite phrases to use when ordering in Chinese
Here are some common polite phrases to use when ordering in Chinese:
- 请问，我要点菜。 (Qǐngwèn, wǒ yào diǎn cài.) — “Excuse me, I would like to order.”
- 我要一份这个。 (Wǒ yào yī fèn zhè ge.) — “I would like one order of this.” (Use when pointing at a menu item.)
- 请给我这个。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ zhè ge.) — “Please give me this one.”
- 您好，服务员。 (Nín hǎo, fúwùyuán.) — “Hello, waiter/waitress.” (Polite way to call the server.)
- 请问，菜单在哪儿？ (Qǐngwèn, càidān zài nǎr?) — “Excuse me, where is the menu?”
- 你们有什么推荐的吗？ (Nǐmen yǒu shénme tuījiàn de ma?) — “Do you have any recommendations?”
- 我想要…… (Wǒ xiǎng yào…) — “I would like to have…”
- 可以帮我加点儿吗？ (Kěyǐ bāng wǒ jiā diǎnr ma?) — “Can you help me add a little more?”
- 麻烦你了，谢谢！ (Máfan nǐ le, xièxiè!) — “Sorry to trouble you, thank you!” (Polite after a request is fulfilled)
- 请不要加味精。 (Qǐng bù yào jiā wèijīng.) — “Please don’t add MSG.”
- 我们分开付账可以吗？ (Wǒmen fēnkāi fù zhàng kěyǐ ma?) — “Can we split the bill?”
- 买单，谢谢。 (Mǎidān, xièxiè.) — “The bill please, thank you.”
Understanding Politeness in Chinese Ordering Phrases
Politeness is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and language, especially when interacting with service staff in restaurants. Using polite phrases not only shows respect but also smooths communication and creates a pleasant dining experience.
- 请 (qǐng) — meaning “please,” is essential in requests to soften commands and show courtesy.
- 麻烦 (máfan) — literally “trouble” or “bother,” used as a humble phrase to indicate an apology for bothering someone, often preceding a request.
- 谢谢 (xièxiè) — “thank you,” always important to end requests politely.
For example, 麻烦你给我一些水，谢谢！(Máfan nǐ gěi wǒ yīxiē shuǐ, xièxiè!) means “Sorry to bother you, please give me some water, thank you!”
Key Sentence Structures for Ordering Food
Beyond learning individual phrases, understanding sentence structure helps learners construct new expressions on the fly.
Ordering Dishes
- 我要 + 数字 + 份 + 菜名。
(Wǒ yào + number + fèn + dish name.)
This means “I would like [number] order(s) of [dish].”
Example:
- 我要三份炒饭。 (Wǒ yào sān fèn chǎofàn.) — “I want three orders of fried rice.”
Note: The measure word 份 (fèn) is commonly used for food portions.
Ordering Drinks
- 我要 + 数字 + 杯 + 饮料。
(Wǒ yào + number + bēi + drink.)
Example: - 我要两杯啤酒。 (Wǒ yào liǎng bēi píjiǔ.) — “I want two cups of beer.”
Note: The measure word 杯 (bēi) is used for cups or glasses of drinks.
Asking for Recommendations
- 你们有什么推荐的吗？ (Nǐmen yǒu shénme tuījiàn de ma?) — “Do you have any recommendations?”
This is a useful phrase to try when unsure what to order or to experience popular local dishes.
Making Special Requests
When asking for modifications or special requests, use:
-
请不要 + action
(Please do not + action), e.g.,
请不要加味精。 (Qǐng bù yào jiā wèijīng.) — “Please don’t add MSG.” -
可以帮我加点儿……吗？ (Kěyǐ bāng wǒ jiā diǎnr… ma?)
”Can you help me add a little…?” For example, you might say:
可以帮我加点儿辣椒吗？(Kěyǐ bāng wǒ jiā diǎnr làjiāo ma?) — “Can you help me add a little chili?”
Cultural Nuances and Common Mistakes
Using the Right Level of Formality
- Addressing service staff with 您 (nín) instead of 你 (nǐ) adds politeness because 您 is the respectful form of “you.”
- Starting with 请问 (qǐngwèn) is a courteous way to get attention or ask a question, often translated as “Excuse me” or “May I ask.”
Avoiding Abrupt Commands
Unlike English, direct commands like “Give me this!” can sound rude in Chinese. Always use 请 (please) or 麻烦你 (sorry to bother you) to soften requests.
Misusing Measure Words
Measure words (or classifiers) are essential in Chinese and must be matched correctly:
- For dishes: 份 (fèn)
- For drinks in cups/glasses: 杯 (bēi)
- For bowls (e.g., soup): 碗 (wǎn)
Example: 我要两碗汤。 (Wǒ yào liǎng wǎn tāng.) — “I want two bowls of soup.”
Confusing measure words is a common mistake for beginners and can cause misunderstandings.
Expanding Vocabulary: Polite Expressions for Different Situations
Calling the Waiter/Waitress
- 麻烦您一下。 (Máfan nín yīxià.) — “Excuse me, may I trouble you for a moment?”
A very polite and indirect way to get a server’s attention.
Confirming Orders
- 这就是我点的菜吗？ (Zhè jiù shì wǒ diǎn de cài ma?) — “Is this the dish I ordered?”
Useful if you want to confirm with the server.
Expressing Satisfaction or Complaints Politely
-
很好吃，谢谢！ (Hěn hǎochī, xièxiè!) — “Very delicious, thank you!”
Praising the food politely. -
菜有点咸，可以少放盐吗？ (Cài yǒu diǎn xián, kěyǐ shǎo fàng yán ma?) — “The dish is a bit salty. Could you use less salt?”
A polite way to express dissatisfaction or request changes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Ordering Polite Chinese Food Phrases in Action
-
Greet and get attention politely:
您好，服务员！(Nín hǎo, fúwùyuán!) — “Hello, waiter/waitress!” -
Ask for the menu if necessary:
请问，菜单在哪儿？ (Qǐngwèn, càidān zài nǎr?) — “Excuse me, where is the menu?” -
Ask for recommendations if unsure:
你们有什么推荐的吗？ (Nǐmen yǒu shénme tuījiàn de ma?) -
Order your food clearly:
我要一份宫保鸡丁。 (Wǒ yào yī fèn gōng bǎo jī dīng.) -
Make modifications politely:
请不要加味精。 (Qǐng bù yào jiā wèijīng.) -
Thank the server after a request:
麻烦你了，谢谢！ (Máfan nǐ le, xièxiè!) -
When finished, ask for the bill politely:
买单，谢谢。 (Mǎidān, xièxiè.)
FAQ: Polite Ordering in Chinese
Q: How do I politely decline something if I don’t want it?
A: Use 不用 (bù yòng) to mean “no need” politely. For example:
不用辣，谢谢。 (Bù yòng là, xièxiè.) — “No spicy, thank you.”
Q: Can I ask for dishes to be less spicy or less oily?
A: Yes, politely specify preferences:
少辣 (shǎo là) — less spicy
少油 (shǎo yóu) — less oily
Q: How to express allergies or dietary restrictions?
A: You can say:
我对……过敏。 (Wǒ duì… guòmǐn.) — “I am allergic to…”
For example:
我对花生过敏。 (Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn.) — “I am allergic to peanuts.”
Using these polite phrases and understanding their cultural context guarantees smoother communication and more enjoyable dining experiences while ordering in Chinese.