我要这个 — the one phrase that lets you order
Updated September 2026
我要这个 (wǒ yào zhège) means “I want this / I’ll have this one.” Point at the menu and say it. Clearer: 我要一份这个.
Breakdown
| Part | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| I | 我 | wǒ |
| want | 要 | yào |
| this | 这个 | zhège |
Where it works
- Photo menu
- Glass display
- Neighbor’s dish (politely)
- Delivery screenshot on your phone
The same line closes a shop purchase. Point and say it. A phone menu is the same mouth: order from a QR code. At a market, ask the price and then close — how to bargain in Chinese. In a car, the cousin line is 我要去 on how to take a taxi. Food prices use 这个多少钱.
Upgrades
- 我要一份这个 — one portion
- 我要这个，不要辣 — this, no spice
- 我要这个，要米饭 — this, with rice
Combo that saves lunch: 我要这个，不要辣。 Full spice ladder: 不要辣. Full path: How to order food in Chinese. Next beats in the same meal: 服务员, for here or to go, takeout, 买单.
FAQ
What does 我要这个 mean?
“I want this / I’ll have this one.” Point at the dish and say it.
Is pointing enough without speaking?
No — say 我要这个 so portion and intent are clear. Upgrade: 我要一份这个.
What if they ask a second question?
Pre-load 要 / 不要 / 不要辣. Full path: how to order food in Chinese.
Can I use 我要这个 in a shop?
Yes. Point at the item and say 我要这个 to close a purchase, not only a food order. At a market, ask the price first if you want to bargain, then say 我要这个 when you are ready.
What is the difference between 我要这个 and 我要去?
我要这个 means I want this thing. 我要去 plus a place means I want to go there. Use 我要去 with a driver. Use 我要这个 for a dish or an item.
Practice the second question out loud — not just the first line.