Wo xiang dian zhege (我想点这个): I want to order this in Chinese

我想点这个。

wǒ xiǎng diǎn zhège

I want to order this

Character breakdown

我

I, me

wǒ

想

to want, to think

xiǎng

点

to order (food/drink)

diǎn

这个

this one

zhège

Grammar and structure

The structure is 我想 (I want to) + 点 (to order) + 这个 (this one). 点 is the verb specifically for ordering food or drinks. 这个 means 'this' and is used when pointing at something.

Variations and politeness

我想要这个

wǒ xiǎng yào zhège

I would like this. — More polite and softer than 我想点这个.

我想点这个菜

wǒ xiǎng diǎn zhège cài

I want to order this dish. — Specifies that it is a dish, not a drink or other item.

Mini dialogue

你想点什么？

nǐ xiǎng diǎn shénme?

What would you like to order?

我想点这个。

wǒ xiǎng diǎn zhège

I want to order this.

When to use it

Appropriate

When you are at a restaurant or cafe and want to order a specific item by pointing at it on the menu or display.
When you want to be polite but not overly formal, and you are ready to place your order.

Avoid when

When you are not pointing at something visible; 这个 requires a clear referent, so don't use it if the item is not in sight.
When you want to be very direct or informal; 我要这个 (wǒ yào zhège) is more blunt, while 我想点这个 is softer.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say "I want to order this" in Chinese?

You can say "我想点这个" (wǒ xiǎng diǎn zhège). It literally means "I want to order this one."

How do you pronounce "我想点这个"?

It is pronounced "wǒ xiǎng diǎn zhège". The tones are: wǒ (3rd tone), xiǎng (3rd tone), diǎn (3rd tone), zhè (4th tone), ge (neutral tone).

When do you use "我想点这个"?

Use it when you are at a restaurant or cafe and want to order a specific item, usually while pointing at it on the menu or display. It is polite and suitable for most dining situations.