Asking for Help Packing
The customer has a large amount of food or difficulty portioning it themselves. They ask the server if they can help pack the food into the containers.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
takeout boxes
Containers used to pack leftover food from a restaurant to take home; also called 'to-go boxes' in American English.
leftovers
Food that remains uneaten after a meal, which you might want to save and eat later.
containers
General term for boxes or boxes that hold things, like food; in restaurants, they are often disposable for takeout.
pack
To put food or items into a container for carrying or storage; in this context, it means preparing leftovers for takeout.
separate
To divide or keep things apart; here, it means putting different foods into different boxes to avoid mixing.
certainly
A polite way to say 'yes' or 'of course'; used to agree enthusiastically and show willingness to help.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, could we get a couple of takeout boxes for these leftovers, please?
This is a polite request to ask for takeout containers; 'could we get' is a soft way to ask for something, and 'a couple' means two. Use this at the end of a meal when you have uneaten food.
Certainly! How many boxes would you like?
A helpful response from a server agreeing to the request; 'certainly' means 'yes, of course.' 'Would you like' is polite for offering choices. Useful for service staff to clarify customer needs.
Would it be possible for you to help us pack it up?
A polite way to ask for assistance; 'would it be possible' softens the request, making it less direct. 'Pack it up' means to prepare for takeout. Use when you need help with a task that's difficult alone.
No problem at all! I can definitely help you with that.
An enthusiastic agreement to help; 'no problem at all' means it's easy and you're happy to do it. 'Definitely' adds certainty. Great for showing good customer service in responses.
My pleasure.
A polite way to say 'you're welcome' after helping; it means it was enjoyable to assist. Shorter and more formal than 'no problem.' Use in service situations to sound professional.
Would you like me to separate the pasta and chicken into different boxes, or put them together?
This offers options to the customer; 'would you like me to' is a polite suggestion. It's useful for servers to confirm preferences and ensure satisfaction before proceeding.
Consider it done.
Means 'it's already taken care of' or 'don't worry, I'll handle it'; a reassuring phrase to show quick action. Use to build trust and end a request positively.