少放一点辣。
shǎo fàng yìdiǎn là
Less spicy, please
How to ask "Is it spicy?" in Chinese
这个辣吗？
zhège là ma?
Is it spicy?
Character breakdown
Grammar and structure
This is a yes/no question formed with the particle 吗 (ma) at the end. 这个 (zhège) means 'this', 辣 (là) means 'spicy'.
Variations and politeness
这个很辣吗？
zhège hěn là ma?
Is this very spicy? — Adds 很 (hěn) for emphasis, making it more intense.
这道菜辣吗？
zhè dào cài là ma?
Is this dish spicy? — More specific, referring to a dish rather than a general item.
辣吗？
là ma?
Is it spicy? — Shorter and more casual, often used when context is clear.
Mini dialogue
A
这个辣吗？
zhège là ma?
Is this spicy?
B
有点儿辣，但很好吃！
yǒudiǎnr là, dàn hěn hǎo chī!
It's a little spicy, but very delicious!
When to use it
Appropriate
- When ordering food at a restaurant and you want to know if a dish is spicy.
- When a dish arrives and you are unsure about its spiciness.
- When pointing at a specific item on a menu or in a display.
Avoid when
- When asking about a person's personality or temperament (spicy is not used metaphorically in this phrase).
- When asking about something that is not food, like a situation or an object (e.g., a movie).
Frequently asked questions
How do you say 'Is it spicy?' in Chinese?
You say "这个辣吗？" (zhège là ma?). It literally means 'Is this spicy?' and is used for food.
How do you pronounce "这个辣吗？"?
It is pronounced "zhège là ma?" with a neutral tone on 吗 (ma). The 辣 (là) has a falling tone.
When do you use "这个辣吗？"?
Use it when you are at a restaurant or cafe and want to ask if a particular food item is spicy. It is polite and common in dining situations.
More phrases for this situation
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