🥡❓

How to Say ‘Can I take this to go?’ in Japanese

持ち帰りできますか？

mochikaeri deki masu ka

[mochikaeri deki mahs kah]

💬 Usage Tip: Put a noun in front of できますか to ask "Can I do this?": 予約できますか "Can I make a reservation?" or カードできますか "Can I pay by card?" (casual but widely understood).

🇯🇵 In Japan: At fast-food counters, staff will often ask you first: 店内でお召し上がりですか "Will you be eating here?" Takeout is taxed at a lower rate than eating in, which is why they check.

Phrase Breakdown

持ち帰り

mochikaeri

[mochikaeri]

Takeout

Refers to food that is ordered to be taken away.

Example

ピザは持ち帰りにします。

I'll take the pizza to go.

できますか？

deki masu ka

is it possible?

The polite form of できる (can do) + か. The 'ki' is soft: 'dekimas ka'.

Example

予約できますか？

Can I make a reservation?

Words in this phrase

でき

deki

[deki]

can do; be able to

Potential form element showing ability or possibility, from できる.

Example

今後も相談できたらうれしいです。

I would be happy if we could consult in the future too.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

か

[kah]

question marker

Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.

Example

A席はありますか。

Are there A seats available?

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