In 15 Seconds
- Use it to order a second helping of food or drink.
- Works perfectly at restaurants, bars, and casual dinner parties.
- Swap the number to order more than one extra serving.
Meaning
This is the ultimate phrase for when you love what you're eating or drinking and want another round. It's the polite but direct way to say 'I'll have another one, please.'
Key Examples
3 of 6At a dumpling shop
这里的饺子太好吃了，再来一份！
The dumplings here are so good, one more serving!
At a bar with a friend
这杯啤酒不错，再来一份。
This beer is good, I'll have another.
Formal dinner request
请问，可以再来一份甜点吗？
Excuse me, may I have another serving of dessert?
Cultural Background
In China, finishing your food and asking for more is a high compliment to the cook's skill. The phrase reflects a culture that centers social life around shared abundance and the joy of eating. In some regions, '再来一份' is also used in promotional campaigns, like winning a free second bottle of soda under the cap.
The 'Liǎng' Rule
If you want two more, remember to say `再来两份` (zàilái liǎng fèn), not `二份`. Using `两` makes you sound like a pro.
Compliment the Chef
In China, saying this loudly and happily is the best tip you can give a small shop owner. It shows you're satisfied!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to order a second helping of food or drink.
- Works perfectly at restaurants, bars, and casual dinner parties.
- Swap the number to order more than one extra serving.
What It Means
再来一份 is your go-to magic spell for seconds. The word 再 means 'again,' 来 means 'come' (but acts like 'bring' here), and 一份 means 'one portion.' Put it together, and you are asking for a repeat performance of whatever deliciousness is on your plate. It is simple, effective, and universally understood.
How To Use It
You can say this to a waiter, a street food vendor, or even a generous host. Just point to the empty dish or glass and say the phrase. If you want to be extra polite, add a 请 (please) at the beginning. If you want two more, just swap 一 (one) for 两 (two). It is like a 'copy-paste' command for your stomach.
When To Use It
Use it when the dumplings are so good you can't stop at ten. Use it at a bar when your glass is empty and the conversation is just getting started. It is perfect for casual dining, bubble tea shops, and family-style dinners. It shows the chef you are genuinely enjoying the food, which is a huge compliment.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this in a super formal business banquet where courses are pre-set. In those cases, wait for the host to offer more. Also, avoid using it if you are at someone's house and they look like they are running low on food. You don't want to accidentally eat the host's lunch! Finally, don't use it for things that aren't 'portions,' like a single napkin or a chair.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, seeing a guest ask for more is a sign of a successful meal. It means the food is 'hǎo chī' (delicious). Historically, hospitality is measured by how full the guests are. While modern dining is more measured, the joy of 'one more round' remains a staple of social bonding. It’s the sound of a good time.
Common Variations
You might hear 再来一个 (one more item) for things like buns or apples. In bars, people often just say 再来一瓶 (one more bottle) or 再来一杯 (one more glass). If you are feeling particularly enthusiastic, you can say 老板，再来一份！ (Boss, another one!). It adds a bit of friendly energy to the request.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is polite enough for a nice restaurant but simple enough for a street stall.
The 'Liǎng' Rule
If you want two more, remember to say `再来两份` (zàilái liǎng fèn), not `二份`. Using `两` makes you sound like a pro.
Compliment the Chef
In China, saying this loudly and happily is the best tip you can give a small shop owner. It shows you're satisfied!
Watch the Measure Word
While `份` (fèn) works for most dishes, for bottles use `瓶` (píng) and for bowls use `碗` (wǎn). But don't worry—`一份` is a safe 'catch-all'!
Examples
6这里的饺子太好吃了，再来一份！
The dumplings here are so good, one more serving!
A very common way to compliment the food while ordering more.
这杯啤酒不错，再来一份。
This beer is good, I'll have another.
Even though it's a liquid, '一份' can work as 'an order'.
请问，可以再来一份甜点吗？
Excuse me, may I have another serving of dessert?
Adding '请问' (may I ask) makes it polite for formal settings.
刚才的小龙虾太赞了，真想再来一份。
The crawfish just now was amazing, I really want another round.
Expressing a craving via text.
我已经吃了五份了，但我还想再来一份！
I've already had five servings, but I still want one more!
Using the phrase to joke about one's appetite.
妈妈做的面最有味道，我想再来一份。
Mom's noodles have the best flavor, I want another bowl.
Shows deep appreciation for sentimental food.
Test Yourself
You are at a restaurant and want another plate of fried rice. What do you say?
服务员，炒饭很棒，请___。
`再来一份` is the standard way to ask for a second serving.
How do you ask for TWO more servings?
老板，太好吃了！请___。
When counting portions, we use `两` (liǎng) instead of `二` (èr).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '再来一份'
Shouting to a street vendor
老板，再来一份！
Standard restaurant ordering
再来一份这个。
Polite request at a hotel
麻烦您，再来一份。
Where to use '再来一份'
Hot Pot Restaurant
More beef slices
Bubble Tea Shop
Another cup
Friend's House
Second helping of snacks
Food Stall
Another skewer
Practice Bank
2 exercises服务员，炒饭很棒，请___。
`再来一份` is the standard way to ask for a second serving.
老板，太好吃了！请___。
When counting portions, we use `两` (liǎng) instead of `二` (èr).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! While 一杯 (a glass) is more specific, 一份 is perfectly fine for an 'order' of a drink.
Not at all. It is a standard, neutral request. Just add 麻烦你 (trouble you) or 请 (please) to be extra polite.
It means 'again' or 'once more.' It indicates the repetition of an action in the future.
Usually no. It's specifically for things served in portions or sets. For a towel, you'd say 再拿一个 (bring another one).
You wouldn't use this phrase. You would say 再来一个人 (another person is coming).
一个 is for individual items like a bun, while 一份 is for a portion or a set, like a plate of pasta.
Not really, but in bars, you might just hold up a finger and say 再来！ (Again!) which is very informal.
Yes, if you know you'll want more soon, you can order the next one ahead of time.
You would say 不要了 (bú yào le), which literally means 'don't want anymore.'
The meaning is the same everywhere, though northern Chinese speakers might add an 'r' sound at the end: 再来一份儿.
Related Phrases
还要
Still want / want more
加菜
Add more dishes to the order
买单
Pay the bill
再来一杯
One more glass/drink
