पैक करवाना है
pack karwana hai
Need packing
Literally: Pack (noun) / to cause to be done (verb) / is (auxiliary)
In 15 Seconds
- Used to request a takeaway or doggy bag at restaurants.
- Uses the causative verb form meaning 'get it packed' by someone.
- Works perfectly in shops, markets, and casual dining spots.
Meaning
This phrase is the ultimate 'to-go' request. It literally means 'I need to get this packed' and is used when you want leftovers from a restaurant or items wrapped up at a shop.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a restaurant with leftovers
भैया, ये बचा हुआ खाना पैक करवाना है।
Brother, I need to get this leftover food packed.
Buying sweets at a shop
एक किलो जलेबी पैक करवाना है।
I need to get one kg of Jalebi packed.
Formal business lunch
क्या आप इसे पैक करवा सकते हैं?
Can you please get this packed?
Cultural Background
Packing leftovers is common and polite. Using English words like 'pack' is standard in Hindi.
Use 'Bhaiya'
Adding 'Bhaiya' (brother) makes the request sound much friendlier.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to request a takeaway or doggy bag at restaurants.
- Uses the causative verb form meaning 'get it packed' by someone.
- Works perfectly in shops, markets, and casual dining spots.
What It Means
पैक करवाना है (Pack karvana hai) is a functional, everyday phrase. It uses the causative verb form. This means you aren't packing it yourself. You are asking someone else to do the work for you. It is the Hindi equivalent of asking for a 'doggy bag' or 'takeaway'.
How To Use It
You use it at the end of a meal or a shopping trip. Simply point to the items and say the phrase. You can add ये (Yeh - This) at the beginning. If you want to be more polite, add जी (Ji) at the end. It is a 'set phrase' that doesn't change much. It is incredibly reliable for travelers.
When To Use It
Use it when you can't finish that delicious butter chicken. Use it at a sweet shop (Mithai shop) for a box of laddoos. It is perfect for street food stalls when you want to eat at home. You can even use it at a clothing store if you want a gift wrap. It signals that the transaction is ending.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are the one doing the packing. If you are packing your own suitcase, use पैक करना है (Pack karna hai). The वाना (vana) part implies a service. Also, avoid it in high-end fine dining if you want to sound very sophisticated. In those cases, 'Please wrap this' in English often suffices. But for 95% of India, this phrase is king.
Cultural Background
India has a huge culture of 'parcel' food. In many regions, 'takeaway' is simply called 'parcel'. Asking to pack leftovers is very common and respected. It shows you value the food and don't want to waste it. Shopkeepers expect this phrase and will usually have newspaper or plastic containers ready. It is a bridge between the traditional and the modern.
Common Variations
You might hear पैक कर दो (Pack kar do) which is more of a direct command. पार्सल कर दीजिये (Parcel kar dijiye) is the slightly more formal version. If you are asking a question, just raise your pitch at the end: पैक करवाना है? (Need to pack?). It is short, punchy, and gets the job done everywhere from Delhi to Mumbai.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost all commercial interactions. The key is the 'karvana' verb—using 'karna' changes the meaning to you doing the physical labor.
Use 'Bhaiya'
Adding 'Bhaiya' (brother) makes the request sound much friendlier.
Examples
6भैया, ये बचा हुआ खाना पैक करवाना है।
Brother, I need to get this leftover food packed.
A very standard way to ask for a doggy bag.
एक किलो जलेबी पैक करवाना है।
I need to get one kg of Jalebi packed.
Used here to initiate a purchase for takeaway.
क्या आप इसे पैक करवा सकते हैं?
Can you please get this packed?
A more polite, indirect way to ask in a professional setting.
मेरा वाला हिस्सा पैक करवाना है, मैं लेट हूँ।
Need to get my portion packed, I am late.
Casual usage in a text message.
इतना सारा खाना! अब तो सब पैक करवाना है।
So much food! Now everything has to be packed.
Exaggerating because the portion size was unexpected.
ये तोहफा पैक करवाना है।
I need to get this gift packed/wrapped.
Shows the phrase isn't just for food.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence: मुझे ये खाना ______ है।
मुझे ये खाना ______ है।
You need the causative form to ask for a service.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Pack Karvana Hai'
To a street vendor
पैक कर दो (Pack kar do)
Standard restaurant use
पैक करवाना है (Pack karvana hai)
To a waiter in a hotel
कृपया इसे पैक कर दीजिये (Kripya ise pack kar dijiye)
Where to use this phrase
Sweet Shop
Buying Laddoos
Dhaba
Leftover Paneer
Gift Store
Wrapping a present
Bakery
Taking a cake home
Practice Bank
1 exercisesमुझे ये खाना ______ है।
You need the causative form to ask for a service.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is very common.
Related Phrases
पार्सल कर दो
synonymMake it a parcel.
पैक कर दीजिए
similarPlease pack it.
