How to Say “Take Out, Please” in Korean
The Most Common Phrase
The most common and polite way to ask for takeout in Korean is:
포장해 주세요 (po-jang-hae ju-se-yo)
This phrase directly translates to “Please package (it)” or “Please wrap (it up)”. It is widely used in restaurants, cafes, and food stalls across Korea when you want your food to go.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- 포장 (po-jang) – means “packaging” or “wrapping”.
- 해 (hae) – is a casual form of the verb “to do”.
- 주세요 (ju-se-yo) – is a polite way to say “please give” or “please do”.
When you put it all together, 포장해 주세요 (po-jang-hae ju-se-yo) means “Please package it for me” or simply “Take out, please”.
Alternative Ways to Ask for Takeout
While 포장해 주세요 is the standard and polite way to request takeout, you might hear or want to use other variations, especially in casual settings:
- 포장할게요 (po-jang-hal-ge-yo) – “I’ll take it to go” (used when indicating your intention).
- 포장해주세요 (po-jang-hae-ju-se-yo) – another polite way, very similar to the standard phrase.
In most cases, using any of the above will be understood by restaurant staff and will help you get your food packaged for takeout.
Cultural Tips for Ordering Takeout in Korea
Understanding the language is just one part of the experience; being aware of cultural etiquette can also enhance your interactions:
- Politeness matters: Using “주세요” makes your request polite and is always appreciated.
- Pointing at the menu: If you’re struggling with pronunciation, you can point to the item and say “포장해 주세요”.
- Confirming your order: Staff may repeat your order and ask, “포장 맞으세요?” (Is it for takeout?). You can reply with “네, 맞아요” (Yes, that’s right).
Useful Phrases for Ordering Food in Korean
Here are a few more helpful phrases for your next visit to a Korean restaurant:
- 이거 포장해 주세요 (i-geo po-jang-hae ju-se-yo) – Please pack this for takeout.
- 여기서 먹을게요 (yeo-gi-seo meok-eul-ge-yo) – I’ll eat here.
- 영수증 주세요 (yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo) – Please give me the receipt.
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning how to say “Take out, please” in Korean is just the beginning. The best way to master these phrases is through practice. Try using them in real situations or practice with a language partner. For more practical Korean phrases and interactive learning tools, check out Talkpal, the AI language learning platform that helps you speak with confidence.
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask for takeout in Korean is an essential skill for travelers, expats, and anyone interested in Korean culture. Remember the phrase 포장해 주세요 (po-jang-hae ju-se-yo) and you’ll be able to confidently order food to go anywhere in Korea. Keep practicing, and explore more language tips with Talkpal to enhance your Korean learning journey!
