Food & drinkBeginner
Asking if a dish is spicy in English (beginner)
Beginner English for asking if a dish is spicy. Key line: “Hi, is this dish spicy?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, is this dish spicy?
Them
A little. It's mild, not hot.
Lin
Nice. My tongue is a baby.
Them
Then this one is good for you.
Lin
Great. Can I have it less spicy?
Them
Sure, I can make it very mild.
Lin
Thanks. My baby tongue is happy.
Them
Good. Your baby tongue is safe.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask about spice
✓ Is this dish spicy?Ask if the dish is spicy
The most direct way to ask
Mild
✓ It's mild, not hot.Say the dish is mildly spicy
mild = not very spicy; also light
Less spicy
✓ Can I have it less spicy?Polite way to ask for less spice
Very common when ordering
A bit
✓ A little.Short answer: a little spicy
Natural by itself too
Quick answers
Ask about spice: what to say in English
Say “Is this dish spicy?” — ask if the dish is spicy. The most direct way to ask.
Mild: what to say in English
Say “It's mild, not hot.” — say the dish is mildly spicy. mild = not very spicy; also light.
Less spicy: what to say in English
Say “Can I have it less spicy?” — polite way to ask for less spice. Very common when ordering.
A bit: what to say in English
Say “A little.” — short answer: a little spicy. Natural by itself too.