Takeout
Meaning: Food ordered at a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere, typically at home.
Americans say 'takeout' (or sometimes 'carryout' in the Midwest) rather than the British 'takeaway.' Ordering takeout is a huge part of American culture, especially with the rise of delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. 'Let's get takeout' is a common way to suggest not cooking.
Examples
- I don't feel like cooking — let's just order takeout. 不想做饭了——咱们直接叫外卖吧。No me apetece cocinar — pidamos comida para llevar.料理する気分じゃない——テイクアウトにしよう。요리하기 싫다 — 그냥 포장 주문하자.
- We got Chinese takeout and watched movies all night. 我们叫了中餐外卖,看了一整晚电影。Pedimos comida china para llevar y estuvimos viendo películas toda la noche.中華のテイクアウトを頼んで、一晩中映画を観た。중국집 포장 음식 시켜서 밤새 영화 봤다.
- There's a great Thai place that does takeout near my apartment. 我家公寓附近有一家很棒的泰国餐厅可以外带。Hay un tailandés genial que hace comida para llevar cerca de mi piso.うちのアパートの近くにテイクアウトできるいいタイ料理屋があるんだ。우리 아파트 근처에 포장되는 맛있는 태국 식당이 있어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: ordering food, dinner plans, restaurants
Tone: everyday, practical
✓ Do Say
- Let's order takeout tonight.今晚叫外卖吧。Pidamos comida para llevar esta noche.今夜はテイクアウトにしよう。오늘 저녁 포장 주문하자.
- Is this for here or takeout?这是在这儿吃还是外带?¿Es para comer aquí o para llevar?店内ですか、お持ち帰りですか?여기서 드실 건가요, 포장인가요?
✗ Don't Say
- Americans don't typically say 'takeaway' — that's British English. Use 'takeout' or 'to go'美国人通常不说'takeaway'——那是英式英语。用'takeout'或'to go'。Los estadounidenses no suelen decir 'takeaway' — eso es inglés británico. Usa 'takeout' o 'to go'アメリカ人は通常「takeaway」とは言わない——それはイギリス英語。「takeout」か「to go」を使おう미국인들은 보통 'takeaway'라고 하지 않는다 — 그것은 영국식 영어이다. 'takeout' 또는 'to go'를 사용한다
Origin & History
American English from the mid-20th century, as restaurants began offering food for off-premises consumption. Became the dominant American term over 'takeaway' (British) and 'carryout' (regional American).
Cultural Context
Era: Mid-20th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Food & Drink
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free