Translation guide
In Japanese, 'takeout' is commonly expressed with the loanword テイクアウト, but native phrases like 持ち帰り are also used. The choice depends on context and formality.
Ordering food to take away from a restaurant or cafe
The most common and widely understood term, used in casual and many service settings.
テイクアウトでお願いします。
For takeout, please.
テイクアウトできますか？
Can I get this to go?
A native Japanese word meaning 'take home'. Often used in more traditional or formal settings, or on signs.
持ち帰りでお願いします。
I'd like to take it home, please.
持ち帰り用の容器はありますか？
Do you have containers for takeout?
Polite version of 持ち帰り, often used by staff or in customer service.
お持ち帰りですか？
Is it for takeout?
Taking uneaten food home from a restaurant
Used for taking leftovers home, though not all restaurants allow it. Can be combined with できますか.
残った料理を持ち帰りできますか？
Can I take the leftovers home?
Referring to the food you brought home
Can be used as a noun, e.g., 'I got takeout'.
今夜はテイクアウトにしよう。
Let's get takeout tonight.
Literally 'take-home food', a more descriptive phrase.
持ち帰りの料理を温め直した。
I reheated the takeout food.
テイクアウト is a loanword and feels modern/casual. 持ち帰り is native Japanese and can sound slightly more formal or traditional. In many situations they are interchangeable, but 持ち帰り is preferred on signs in older establishments.
当店は持ち帰りも承っております。
We also offer takeout.
Some restaurants, especially high-end or traditional ones, may not permit taking leftovers home. It's polite to ask first using 持ち帰りできますか？
テイクアウトで注文したいです。
I'd like to order takeout.
テイクアウトはできますか？
Is takeout available?
Less common for leftovers, but understood in casual contexts.
これ、テイクアウトできますか？
Can I get this to go?