When you're hungry but don't want to cook or go out, 外卖 (wàimài) is your best friend!
It means 'takeaway' or 'takeout' food. You order food from a restaurant, and they deliver it to you.
It's super common in China, and you can order almost anything – noodles, dumplings, pizza, coffee… you name it.
Just think of it like ordering delivery, but for all kinds of food.
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Can be used with 叫 (jiào) to mean 'to order takeaway/takeout'.
我们叫外卖吧。(Wǒmen jiào wàimài ba.) Let's order takeout.
Can be used with 送 (sòng) to mean 'to deliver takeaway/takeout'.
外卖送到了吗？(Wàimài sòng dào le ma?) Has the takeout been delivered?
Can be used as a standalone noun for 'takeaway/takeout food'.
今晚吃外卖。(Jīnwǎn chī wàimài.) We're eating takeout tonight.
Can precede other nouns to specify 'takeaway-something'.
外卖小哥 (wàimài xiǎogē) Takeaway delivery guy.
Can be used as a verb to indicate 'to get takeaway'.
你外卖了吗？(Nǐ wàimài le ma?) Did you get takeout?
أمثلة حسب المستوى
我喜欢点外卖。
I like to order takeout.
我们一起叫外卖吧。
Let's order takeout together.
你想要吃什么外卖？
What kind of takeout do you want to eat?
这家餐厅的外卖很好吃。
This restaurant's takeout is very delicious.
我今晚想叫外卖。
I want to order takeout tonight.
他每天都吃外卖。
He eats takeout every day.
外卖送到了吗？
Has the takeout arrived?
我不想做饭，我们点外卖吧。
I don't want to cook, let's order takeout.
我们今晚叫外卖吧。
Let's order takeaway tonight.
叫 (jiào) can mean 'to call' or 'to order' in this context.
这家餐厅的外卖很受欢迎。
The takeaway from this restaurant is very popular.
受欢迎 (shòu huānyíng) means 'popular' or 'well-received'.
我喜欢在家里吃外卖，很方便。
I like eating takeaway at home, it's very convenient.
方便 (fāngbiàn) means 'convenient'.
你可以用手机App点外卖。
You can order takeaway using a mobile app.
点 (diǎn) means 'to order' (food).
外卖小哥很快就把餐送到了。
The delivery person quickly delivered the meal.
小哥 (xiǎogē) is a common, informal term for a young man, often used for delivery drivers.
周末我们经常吃外卖。
We often eat takeaway on weekends.
经常 (jīngcháng) means 'often' or 'frequently'.
他点的外卖还没到。
The takeaway he ordered hasn't arrived yet.
还没到 (hái méi dào) means 'still hasn't arrived'.
这个城市的外卖服务很发达。
The takeaway service in this city is very developed.
发达 (fādá) means 'developed' or 'advanced'.
我昨晚点了一份外卖，等了差不多一个小时才送到，真是太慢了。
I ordered takeout last night and waited almost an hour for it to be delivered. It was so slow.
This sentence uses '差不多' (chàbuduō) to mean 'almost' or 'approximately', indicating the duration of waiting.
因为今天加班，没时间做饭，所以决定直接叫外卖。
Because I'm working overtime today, I don't have time to cook, so I decided to just order takeout.
The phrase '没时间' (méi shíjiān) means 'don't have time'. '直接' (zhíjiē) means 'directly' or 'simply'.
这家餐厅的外卖服务很受欢迎，经常需要提前预定。
This restaurant's takeout service is very popular, often requiring advance booking.
'受欢迎' (shòu huānyíng) means 'popular' or 'well-received'. '提前预定' (tíqián yùdìng) means 'to book in advance'.
你觉得我们今晚吃外卖怎么样？我有点懒得出门。
What do you think about us having takeout tonight? I'm a bit too lazy to go out.
'怎么样' (zěnmeyàng) is a common way to ask 'how about it?' or 'what do you think?'. '懒得' (lǎnde) means 'too lazy to'.
现在很多年轻人习惯了点外卖，很少自己下厨了。
Many young people are now used to ordering takeout and rarely cook for themselves anymore.
'习惯了' (xíguànle) means 'got used to' or 'are accustomed to'. '很少' (hěnshǎo) means 'rarely'.
公司经常在午餐时间提供免费外卖，福利真不错。
The company often provides free takeout during lunchtime. The benefits are really good.
'提供' (tígōng) means 'to provide' or 'to offer'. '福利' (fúlì) means 'benefits' or 'welfare'.
外卖骑手的工作很辛苦，风里来雨里去地送餐。
The job of a takeout delivery rider is very tough, delivering meals through wind and rain.
'辛苦' (xīnkǔ) means 'hard' or 'tough'. '风里来雨里去' (fēnglǐlái yǔlǐqù) is an idiom meaning 'through wind and rain', describing hard work regardless of weather.
节假日的时候，外卖订单量会暴增，送餐时间也会延长。
During holidays, the volume of takeout orders will surge, and delivery times will also extend.
'暴增' (bàozēng) means 'to surge' or 'to increase sharply'. '延长' (yáncháng) means 'to extend' or 'to prolong'.
يُخلط عادةً مع
While 外卖 is from a 餐厅, 餐厅 is the physical place, not the food taken out.
饭 means 'rice' or 'meal.' 外卖 is a type of meal, but not all meals are 外卖.
菜 means 'dishes' or 'vegetables.' 外卖 consists of 菜, but 菜 itself doesn't mean takeout.
أنماط نحوية
سهل الخلط
Often confused with 外卖 because both involve food being taken out of a restaurant.
打包 means to 'pack up' leftovers or food you've already ordered at a restaurant to take home. 外卖 means ordering food specifically for delivery or pickup to be eaten elsewhere.
吃不完的饭菜可以打包。 (The unfinished food can be packed up [to take home].)
Related to food delivery, which is a major part of 外卖.
送餐 specifically refers to 'food delivery' as an action or service. 外卖 is the general term for 'takeout' food itself, which can include both delivery and pickup.
这家餐厅有送餐服务吗？ (Does this restaurant have food delivery service?)
Similar to 外卖 in that food is taken out of a place.
外带 means 'to take out' food or drink from a counter, like a coffee shop. You pick it up yourself. 外卖 is broader, often implying delivery, but can also be pickup.
咖啡要外带吗？ (Do you want the coffee to go?)
Both involve ordering food.
订餐 means 'to order a meal' in a general sense, whether for dine-in, takeaway, or delivery. 外卖 specifically refers to food that is taken away from the restaurant.
我们提前订餐了。 (We ordered the meal in advance.)
Often used interchangeably in some contexts, both referring to ordering food.
叫餐 is a more colloquial way to say 'to order food,' often implying delivery. While it can overlap with 外卖, 外卖 is the more specific noun for the 'takeout' food itself or the service.
我今天不想做饭，叫餐吧。 (I don't want to cook today, let's order food [for delivery].)
أنماط الجُمل
我想点外卖。
我想点外卖，你呢？ (I want to order takeaway, how about you?)
我们吃外卖吧。
今天很累，我们吃外卖吧。 (Today I'm very tired, let's eat takeout.)
你喜欢吃哪家的外卖？
你喜欢吃哪家的外卖？我喜欢吃川菜。 (Which restaurant's takeout do you like to eat? I like to eat Sichuan cuisine.)
外卖到了。
太好了，外卖到了！ (Great, the takeout has arrived!)
A有外卖服务吗？
这个饭店有外卖服务吗？ (Does this restaurant have takeout service?)
نصائح
Understanding 外卖 (wàimài)
外卖 is a very common and practical word in modern Chinese society. It refers to food ordered from a restaurant to be delivered elsewhere, often to your home or office.
Literal meaning breakdown
外 (wài) means outside, and 卖 (mài) means to sell. So literally, it means 'sell outside,' which makes sense for takeout or delivery.
Using 外卖 as a noun
You can use 外卖 directly as a noun. For example: 我想点外卖 (Wǒ xiǎng diǎn wàimài) - I want to order takeout.
Using it as a verb phrase
You can also say 叫外卖 (jiào wàimài) which means to call for takeout or order takeout. For example: 今晚我们叫外卖吧 (Jīnwǎn wǒmen jiào wàimài ba) - Let's order takeout tonight.
Dominance of delivery apps
In China, 外卖 is overwhelmingly ordered through apps like Meituan (美团) and Ele.me (饿了么). It's a huge part of daily life. Knowing this word is essential for daily convenience.
Common phrases with 外卖
Some common phrases include: 外卖小哥 (wàimài xiǎogē) - delivery guy (literally 'takeout little brother'), and 外卖平台 (wàimài píngtái) - delivery platform.
区别 (qūbié): 外卖 vs. 打包 (dǎbāo)
While both involve taking food away, 外卖 specifically refers to delivery, whereas 打包 (dǎbāo) means to pack up leftovers from a restaurant to take home. Don't confuse them.
Practice pronunciation
Pay attention to the tones: wài (4th tone) and mài (4th tone). Both are falling tones. Practice saying them clearly: wàimài.
Contextual usage
You can use it when discussing meal plans, busy schedules, or simply expressing a desire for convenience. E.g., 今天太忙了，只能吃外卖 (Jīntiān tài máng le, zhǐ néng chī wàimài) - Today is too busy, I can only eat takeout.
Beyond food delivery
While primarily for food, the concept of 外卖 can sometimes extend to other delivery services that bring items to you from outside a store, though food is the most common association.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةThink of it this way: 外 (wài) means 'outside' and 卖 (mài) means 'sell.' So, it's literally 'selling outside' which is what takeaway food is all about. Associate the meaning of the characters with the concept.
外卖 almost always refers to delivery. If you're picking up food you ordered, you'd usually say 取餐 (qǔcān), which means 'pick up meal.' So, yes, it's primarily for delivery.
Typically, yes. While you can get other things delivered, when someone says 外卖, they are almost certainly talking about food delivery. For general delivery of goods, you'd use 快递 (kuàidì) for express delivery.
The two biggest apps are 美团外卖 (Měituán Wàimài) and 饿了么 (Èleme). If you're in China, you'll definitely want to have one of these on your phone.
You'll use one of the apps like Meituan or Ele.me. You select your food, pay through the app (usually WeChat Pay or Alipay), and a delivery driver brings it to you. It's all done digitally.
You can say:
• 我要点外卖 (wǒ yào diǎn wàimài) - I want to order takeaway.
• 我们点外卖吧 (wǒmen diǎn wàimài ba) - Let's order takeaway.
'点 (diǎn)' means 'to order'.
Extremely! It's a huge part of daily life for many people, especially in cities. It's very convenient and widely used.
外卖 is the service of getting food delivered to you, usually from a restaurant. A restaurant is the physical place where you can eat. 外卖 is a service; a restaurant is a venue.
No, 外卖 specifically refers to food prepared by a business (like a restaurant) and delivered. If you make food at home and take it out, that's more like a 'packed lunch' (便当 - biàndāng) or just 'taking food with you' (带饭 - dàifàn).
Yes, a common one is '外卖到了!' (Wàimài dào le!) which means 'The takeaway has arrived!' You'll hear that a lot if you're living in China. It's a very practical phrase.
اختبر نفسك 42 أسئلة
Which of these means 'takeout'?
外卖 (wàimài) specifically refers to food ordered from a restaurant to be delivered or picked up.
If you want to order food to be delivered to your home, what would you say?
点外卖 (diǎn wàimài) means to order takeout.
Which sentence means 'Let's eat takeout'?
吃外卖 (chī wàimài) means to eat takeout.
外卖 (wàimài) means to buy clothes.
外卖 (wàimài) means takeout, not to buy clothes.
You can use 外卖 (wàimài) when you want food delivered to your home.
外卖 (wàimài) is exactly for food delivery or pickup.
If a restaurant has 外卖服务 (wàimài fúwù), it means they offer takeout service.
外卖服务 (wàimài fúwù) translates to takeout service.
This sentence means 'I want to order takeaway'. The basic structure is Subject + 想 (want to) + Verb + Object.
This means 'Let's eat takeaway!' 我们 (we) is the subject, 吃 (eat) is the verb, 外卖 (takeaway) is the object, and 吧 (ba) indicates a suggestion.
This means 'The takeaway has arrived!' 外卖 (takeaway) is the subject, and 到了 (arrived) indicates completion.
晚上我不想做饭，我们点___吧。
The sentence means 'I don't want to cook tonight, let's order takeaway.' '外卖' fits perfectly here.
这家饭店的___很好吃，我很喜欢。
The sentence means 'The takeaway from this restaurant is very delicious, I like it a lot.' '外卖' is the correct choice.
他每天中午都吃___。
The sentence means 'He eats takeaway every lunchtime.' '外卖' makes sense in this context.
请问，你们这里可以点___吗？
The sentence means 'Excuse me, can we order takeaway here?' '外卖' is the correct term to use.
因为下雨，所以我们决定点___。
The sentence means 'Because it's raining, we decided to order takeaway.' '外卖' is the logical choice.
我工作很忙，所以经常点___。
The sentence means 'I am very busy with work, so I often order takeaway.' '外卖' completes the sentence meaningfully.
Imagine you're ordering takeout for a party. Write a short message (3-4 sentences) to a friend asking for their preference and suggesting a type of cuisine. Use the word '外卖' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们今晚要点外卖。你喜欢吃什么？我打算点中国菜，你觉得怎么样？
Describe a recent experience ordering '外卖' (takeout) in 3-4 sentences. Include where you ordered from and if you enjoyed the food.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我昨天晚上点了外卖。我从一家新开的韩国餐厅点的，辣炒年糕很好吃。这次的体验很不错。
You are recommending a good takeout restaurant to a friend. Write 3-4 sentences about why you like their '外卖' and what dishes you recommend.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我给你推荐一家餐馆的外卖。他们的菜味道特别好，尤其是宫保鸡丁。你一定要试试看。
根据短文，人们选择外卖的主要原因是什么？
Read this passage:
现代生活中，点外卖已经成为许多人日常饮食的选择。它方便快捷，节省了做饭的时间。但是，过度依赖外卖也可能导致饮食不均衡的问题。所以，我们应该合理安排，既享受外卖的便利，也要注意健康饮食。
根据短文，人们选择外卖的主要原因是什么？
短文中提到“它方便快捷，节省了做饭的时间”，所以这是人们选择外卖的主要原因。
短文中提到“它方便快捷，节省了做饭的时间”，所以这是人们选择外卖的主要原因。
小李点外卖的原因是什么？
Read this passage:
小李最近工作很忙，经常加班。为了节省时间，他几乎每天都点外卖。虽然外卖解决了他的吃饭问题，但他发现自己最近经常感到疲倦，而且体重也有所增加。他开始考虑改变饮食习惯，多自己做饭。
小李点外卖的原因是什么？
短文中明确指出“小李最近工作很忙，经常加班。为了节省时间，他几乎每天都点外卖。”
短文中明确指出“小李最近工作很忙，经常加班。为了节省时间，他几乎每天都点外卖。”
根据短文，外卖平台如何让用户更方便？
Read this passage:
随着科技的发展，外卖平台越来越智能化。用户可以通过手机应用轻松地浏览菜单、下单和支付。送餐员也会使用导航系统，确保食物能够及时送达。这种便捷的服务模式改变了人们的餐饮消费方式。
根据短文，外卖平台如何让用户更方便？
短文提到“用户可以通过手机应用轻松地浏览菜单、下单和支付”，这说明了外卖平台的便捷性。
短文提到“用户可以通过手机应用轻松地浏览菜单、下单和支付”，这说明了外卖平台的便捷性。
在现代都市生活中，为了节省时间，许多人会选择订___。
在快节奏的都市生活中，订购外卖是一种常见的节省时间的方式。
疫情期间，为了减少外出，____行业得到了空前的发展。
疫情期间，人们减少外出，使得外卖服务需求大增。
虽然外卖方便快捷，但长期食用可能会导致一些健康问题，比如过度摄入油盐等，因此应该注意___。
外卖食品可能油盐含量较高，需要注意均衡饮食以保持健康。
在中国，外卖平台通常不提供支付现金的选项。
虽然线上支付是主流，但仍有一些外卖平台和商家提供货到付款（现金支付）的选项，尤其是在一些小城市或特定商家。
外卖骑手的工作时间通常非常固定，没有弹性。
外卖骑手的工作时间通常具有较高的弹性，可以根据自己的时间安排进行接单，尤其是在兼职模式下。
所有餐厅都提供外卖服务。
并非所有餐厅都提供外卖服务，有些餐厅可能只提供堂食或自取。
The delivery is here.
This restaurant's delivery service is very popular.
I want to order takeout tonight, do you have any recommendations?
Read this aloud:
我通常工作日午餐都点外卖。
Focus: 外卖 (wàimài)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你觉得叫外卖比自己做饭更方便吗？
Focus: 方便 (fāngbiàn)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
现在有很多外卖平台可以选择。
Focus: 平台 (píngtái)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You're living in China and your friend is visiting from abroad. Describe a situation where ordering 外卖 (wàimài) would be super convenient, and explain how to use a 外卖 app to your friend. Focus on the benefits and the process.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
当你的朋友来中国玩，如果你们逛了一天很累，不想出去吃饭，那外卖就特别方便了。你可以打开手机上的外卖App，比如美团或者饿了么，然后浏览附近的餐厅。选好想吃的菜品，加入购物车，然后确认订单。之后App会让你选择支付方式和送餐地址。一般很快就会有骑手把热腾腾的饭菜送到你家门口。这样你们就可以在家里舒服地享受美食，不用再出门了，真的省时省力。
Imagine you're trying to convince a skeptical friend who prefers cooking at home to try 外卖 (wàimài). Write an argument highlighting the advantages and addressing potential concerns like cost or health. Provide specific examples.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我知道你喜欢自己做饭，觉得外卖不健康或者贵。但外卖真的没你想的那么糟！比如，如果你工作很忙，根本没时间做饭，点个外卖就能快速解决。而且现在外卖的种类非常多，从家常菜到各国料理，甚至还有健康的轻食，选择非常丰富。你也可以根据自己的喜好选择评价好的商家，这样食物的质量和卫生都有保障。至于价格，很多平台都有优惠活动，算下来并不比自己买菜做饭贵多少。你可以试试看，说不定会爱上它的便利呢！
Write a short paragraph for a travel blog about how 外卖 (wàimài) has transformed urban life in China. Include observations on its impact on local businesses and people's daily routines.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
外卖的兴起彻底改变了中国的城市生活。如今，无论你身处何地，只需轻点手机，就能享受到各种美食，极大地提升了生活的便利性。这种便捷的服务不仅让忙碌的上班族省去了做饭的烦恼，也让许多小餐馆找到了新的增长点。街头巷尾随处可见的外卖骑手，已经成为城市一道独特的风景线。它不仅改变了人们的用餐习惯，甚至重塑了商业模式，是数字时代中国社会效率和活力的一种体现。
根据短文，以下哪项不是外卖服务带来的挑战？
Read this passage:
在中国，外卖服务已经深入人心，成为了日常生活中不可或缺的一部分。尤其是在繁忙的都市，人们对效率的追求使得外卖平台的用户数量持续增长。然而，这也带来了一些新的挑战，例如食品安全监管、配送员的工作强度以及塑料垃圾的增加。
根据短文，以下哪项不是外卖服务带来的挑战？
短文提到用户数量持续增长是外卖服务深入人心的表现，而非挑战。
短文提到用户数量持续增长是外卖服务深入人心的表现，而非挑战。
从小王的经历来看，作为外卖骑手最能让他感到成就感的是什么？
Read this passage:
小王是一名外卖骑手，每天穿梭于城市的各个角落，为顾客送去热腾腾的饭菜。虽然工作辛苦，但他觉得很有成就感。有一次，一位顾客因为他的及时送达而避免了错过重要会议，特地打电话表示感谢，这让小王感到非常温暖。
从小王的经历来看，作为外卖骑手最能让他感到成就感的是什么？
短文中提到，顾客的感谢让小王感到非常温暖，这是他感到成就感的主要原因。
短文中提到，顾客的感谢让小王感到非常温暖，这是他感到成就感的主要原因。
文章指出，外卖行业在技术创新方面的主要目标是什么？
Read this passage:
近几年，外卖行业在技术创新方面投入巨大，例如利用大数据分析用户偏好，优化配送路线，甚至尝试使用无人机进行配送。这些技术不仅提升了效率，也让用户体验更加个性化和便捷。然而，技术的进步也引发了对数据隐私和就业结构变化的讨论。
文章指出，外卖行业在技术创新方面的主要目标是什么？
文章明确提到技术投入是为了“提升了效率，也让用户体验更加个性化和便捷”。
文章明确提到技术投入是为了“提升了效率，也让用户体验更加个性化和便捷”。
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Understanding 外卖 (wàimài)
外卖 is a very common and practical word in modern Chinese society. It refers to food ordered from a restaurant to be delivered elsewhere, often to your home or office.
Literal meaning breakdown
外 (wài) means outside, and 卖 (mài) means to sell. So literally, it means 'sell outside,' which makes sense for takeout or delivery.
Using 外卖 as a noun
You can use 外卖 directly as a noun. For example: 我想点外卖 (Wǒ xiǎng diǎn wàimài) - I want to order takeout.
Using it as a verb phrase
You can also say 叫外卖 (jiào wàimài) which means to call for takeout or order takeout. For example: 今晚我们叫外卖吧 (Jīnwǎn wǒmen jiào wàimài ba) - Let's order takeout tonight.
مثال
今天太累了，我们叫外卖吧。
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات food
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一袋
B1A bag of.
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
一瓶
B1A bottle of.
一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
一杯
B1Measure word for a cup of liquid.
