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Couldn't Finish Your Ramen in Japan? Ask This Before You Box It Up.

To say Can I take this to go? in Japanese, say 持ち帰りできますか? (mochikaeri dekimasu ka?).

You left half the bowl. In most countries you'd ask for a box. In Japan, ask this first.

mochikaeri dekimasu ka? Can I take this to go?

Beginner mini-scenario #learnjapanese #japantravel #japanesephrases #japanfood #japanforbeginners

In this video

  1. 持ち帰りできますか? mochikaeri dekimasu ka? Can I take this to go?
  2. すみません、持ち帰りできますか? sumimasen, mochikaeri dekimasu ka? Excuse me, can I take this to go?
  3. すみません、持ち帰りはできません。 sumimasen, mochikaeri wa dekimasen. Sorry, we can't do takeout.

Why this phrase

How to ask whether you can take food away in Japan: 持ち帰りできますか? The twist is that plenty of places will say no, especially in summer, because they're responsible for food safety once it leaves the shop. Even mix of English explanation and Japanese, with the takeaway-versus-eat-in question you'll also get asked at counters.

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