For here or to go
in Spanish¿Para comer aquí o para llevar?
/PAH-rah koh-MEHR ah-KEE oh PAH-rah yeh-BAHR/
The complete, standard question used in restaurants and cafes to ask if you want to eat inside or take the food away.
The universal question at any counter: will you take the bag (para llevar) or sit at the table (para comer aquí)?
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Para aquí o para llevar?
/PAH-rah ah-KEE oh PAH-rah yeh-BAHR/
A slightly shortened version commonly used in fast-paced environments like taco stands or fast food counters.
¿Para tomar aquí o para llevar?
/PAH-rah toh-MAR ah-KEE.../
In Spain, 'tomar' (to take/drink) is often used instead of 'comer' (to eat), especially for coffee or light snacks.
¿Para servirse o para llevar?
/PAH-rah sehr-VEER-seh.../
Uses the verb 'servirse' (to serve oneself/partake), which sounds more polite and formal in the Andean regions.
¿Para consumir acá o para llevar?
/PAH-rah kohn-soo-MEER ah-KAH.../
Uses 'acá' instead of 'aquí' for 'here', and 'consumir' (to consume) is quite common.
Para llevar, por favor
/PAH-rah yeh-BAHR, por fah-VOR/
This is the answer rather than the question. It is the absolute most important phrase to know as a customer.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
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📊Quick Comparison
Here is a quick breakdown of how to choose the right phrase based on where you are and what you are doing.
| Phrase | Literal Meaning | Best For | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Para llevar | Ordering takeout anywhere | ||
| Para comer aquí | Dining in with food | ||
| Para tomar aquí | Coffee/Drinks/Tapas | ||
| Para consumir acá | Formal/Standard dining |
📈Difficulty Level
The double 'LL' in 'llevar' sounds like a 'Y' (or 'J' in Argentina), which is easy, but rolling the 'R' at the end adds a slight challenge.
Very simple preposition + infinitive structure.
Straightforward, though regional preferences for 'tomar' vs 'comer' exist.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering not to use the verb 'ir' (to go)
- Listening comprehension when cashiers speak quickly
💡Examples in Action
Buenas tardes, ¿va a ser para comer aquí o para llevar?
Good afternoon, will that be for here or to go?
Para llevar, por favor. Tengo prisa.
To go, please. I'm in a hurry.
¿Me lo pone para llevar, por favor?
Can you pack that to go for me, please?
Dos cafés con leche, para tomar aquí.
Two lattes, to have here.
🌍Cultural Context
The Logic of 'Llevar'
In English, we focus on the movement of leaving ('to go'). In Spanish, the focus is on the action of carrying the food with you. The verb 'llevar' literally means 'to carry' or 'to take with you.' So you aren't asking to 'go' somewhere; you are asking to 'carry' the food away.
Table Service vs. Counter Service
In many traditional Spanish cafes, prices might differ depending on whether you stand at the bar ('barra'), sit at a table ('mesa'), or take it to go. Asking '¿Para tomar aquí?' clarifies not just where you are eating, but potentially how much you will be charged.
Leftovers aren't always standard
While asking for food 'para llevar' (takeout) is standard, asking for a 'doggy bag' for leftovers at a nice restaurant was historically less common in some Spanish-speaking countries than in the US. However, this is changing rapidly, and it is now perfectly acceptable to ask: '¿Me lo puede poner para llevar?' (Can you put this to go for me?).
❌ Common Pitfalls
The Literal Translation Trap
Mistake: "Saying 'Para ir' (For to go)"
Correction: Para llevar
Confusing 'Tomar' and 'Comer'
Mistake: "Saying 'Para comer aquí' for just a coffee"
Correction: Para tomar aquí
💡Pro Tips
Pre-empt the Question
In busy places, you can speed up the process by adding 'para llevar' to the end of your order immediately. Example: 'Un café americano, para llevar, por favor.'
Listen for the 'Llevar'
Even if the cashier speaks fast, listen for the specific sound of 'llevar' (yeh-BAHR) at the end of their sentence. It's the surest sign they are asking about packaging.
The 'To Go' Cup
If you want your coffee in a paper cup (even if staying), you often need to specify 'en vaso desechable' (in a disposable cup) or 'para llevar', otherwise, you will get a ceramic mug.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico & Latin America
This is the most standard phrasing. In Mexico, you might also hear '¿Es para aquí?' simply asking if you are staying.
Spain
Spaniards distinguish between 'tomar' (drinks/tapas) and 'comer' (meals). They are also very direct; a simple '¿Para llevar?' is common.
Argentina & Uruguay (Rioplatense)
The use of 'acá' is preferred over 'aquí'. The pronunciation of 'llevar' is the biggest giveaway you are in this region.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say 'Para llevar'
¿Quiere bolsa?
Do you want a bag?
Sí, por favor / No, gracias
Yes, please / No, thanks
Ordering coffee to go
¿Azúcar o crema?
Sugar or cream?
Con todo, por favor
With everything, please
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of 'Llevar' (yeh-BAHR) as a LEVER. You use a lever to lift something up so you can CARRY it away. Llevar = Carry = To Go.
🔄How It Differs from English
English uses a directional verb ('to go') to describe the state of the food. Spanish uses a functional verb ('to carry/take') to describe what you will do with the food. Spanish focuses on the possession and transport of the item, whereas English focuses on the destination.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: 'Para ir' means 'in order to go (somewhere)'. If you say 'café para ir', it sounds like the coffee needs to leave the room by itself.
Use instead: Para llevar
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to order food in Spanish
Once you decide where to eat, you need to know how to ask for the food itself.
How to ask for the bill
If you chose 'para comer aquí' (for here), you'll eventually need to pay and leave.
How to say I would like
The polite way to start your order before saying 'para llevar'.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: For here or to go
Question 1 of 3
You are at a taco stand and want to take the food home. The cashier asks '¿Para aquí o para llevar?'. What do you say?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just say 'para llevar' without a full sentence?
Yes, absolutely. It is perfectly polite and very common to simply smile and say 'Para llevar, por favor' (To go, please). You do not need a complex sentence.
What if I want to eat there but I can't finish it?
You would start by saying 'Para comer aquí'. Later, if you have leftovers, you can ask: '¿Me lo pone para llevar?' (Can you put it to go for me?).
Do people say 'take away' in Spanish?
In some tourist areas or Spanglish-heavy regions, you might hear English terms, but 'Para llevar' is the universal Spanish standard. In Spain, you might see signs saying 'Comida para llevar' (Food to go/Takeaway).
How do I say 'to go' in Argentina specifically?
You still say 'para llevar', but be prepared for the pronunciation of the 'LL'. In Argentina, it sounds like 'sha-BAR' or 'zha-BAR' (like the 's' in measure).
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