In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to see if a shop offers home delivery.
- Perfect for small restaurants, fruit stands, or local vendors.
- Short, simple, and essential for modern life in China.
Meaning
This is the go-to question when you want to know if a restaurant or shop can bring food or goods directly to your door.
Key Examples
3 of 6Calling a local noodle shop
老板，请问你们送外卖吗？
Boss, may I ask if you do delivery?
Asking at a fruit stand
这里的西瓜送外卖吗？
Do you deliver the watermelons here?
Inquiry at a high-end cafe
请问，你们店送外卖吗？
Excuse me, does your shop offer delivery?
Cultural Background
Delivery is so common that even small street vendors might offer it. Delivery is often called '外送' (wàisòng) instead of '外卖' (wàimài).
Be clear
If you are calling, speak clearly so they understand your address.
Regional differences
Remember 'waisong' for Taiwan.
In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to see if a shop offers home delivery.
- Perfect for small restaurants, fruit stands, or local vendors.
- Short, simple, and essential for modern life in China.
What It Means
At its heart, 送外卖吗 is your ticket to staying on your couch. It literally asks if a business provides delivery services. In China, this is more than a question. It is a fundamental part of daily life. If you see a tasty-looking restaurant, this is how you check if they deliver.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like a regular question. You can say it over the phone or ask in person. It is short and punchy. You do not need a complex sentence structure. Just point or mention the shop and ask 送外卖吗? It is very beginner-friendly. You will usually get a simple 'yes' or 'no' back.
When To Use It
Use it when you are hungry but lazy. Use it when you are at a small local noodle shop. It is perfect for checking with a vendor on WeChat. If you are at a fruit stand, you can ask this too. It is great for those rainy days when you do not want to leave the house.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a high-end, fine-dining establishment. They might find it a bit odd. Avoid using it for non-food items like clothes or electronics. For those, use the word 快递 (express delivery) instead. Also, do not ask a random person on the street. They are not your delivery driver!
Cultural Background
China has the most advanced delivery culture in the world. You can get almost anything delivered in thirty minutes. The 'Waimai' (takeout) industry is massive. Drivers in yellow or blue uniforms are everywhere. Asking this phrase is the first step into that digital ecosystem. It is a symbol of modern Chinese convenience.
Common Variations
If you want to be more polite, add 请问 (may I ask) at the start. You can also say 可以送外卖吗? to ask if it is possible. If you are talking about a specific platform, you might mention 美团 (Meituan) or 饿了么 (Ele.me). But for a quick check, the original phrase is king.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for 99% of daily interactions. It's informal to neutral, so don't worry about being too blunt—efficiency is valued in the delivery world!
Be clear
If you are calling, speak clearly so they understand your address.
Regional differences
Remember 'waisong' for Taiwan.
Examples
6老板，请问你们送外卖吗？
Boss, may I ask if you do delivery?
Adding 'Boss' (Lǎobǎn) makes it friendly and natural.
这里的西瓜送外卖吗？
Do you deliver the watermelons here?
Useful for heavy items you don't want to carry.
请问，你们店送外卖吗？
Excuse me, does your shop offer delivery?
Using 'please ask' (qǐngwèn) adds a touch of formality.
送外卖吗？想订餐。
Do you deliver? I want to order food.
Very direct and common for text messaging.
哇，你现在送外卖吗？
Wow, are you doing delivery now?
A playful way to thank a friend for bringing food.
你知道那家店送外卖吗？
Do you know if that shop delivers?
Asking for information from a third party.
Test Yourself
Complete the question.
你们____外卖吗？
The verb for delivery is 'song'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises你们____外卖吗？
The verb for delivery is 'song'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, if they sell food or small goods.
No, it is a very standard and polite question.
Related Phrases
{点餐|diǎncān}
builds onTo order food
{外送|wàisòng}
synonymDelivery
