Phrases
57 of 62 communication situations
You want less spicy food, not zero spicy
“不辣” often still means a little spice. Say “微辣” or “少辣” for mild.
'Not spicy' is not the same as 'mild' in Chinese.
What you'll see
If you ask for 'no spicy' but still get heat, the word choice is the problem:
“不辣” arrived with chili anyway.
说了“不辣”，菜里却还是有辣椒。
Severity: L3 (scenario). This is a communication situation, not an app error code.
Why it happens
In Chinese kitchens, “不辣” is often interpreted as 'not very spicy' rather than zero. “微辣” (mild) or “少辣” (less) is clearer.
Fastest fix, free:
Show “请给我微辣。不要太多辣椒。” to get mild heat instead of none-or-some.
Last verified: 2026-09-20 ·
Confidence:
Multiple sources (pending first-hand verification)
The full fix sequence (free)
- Say “微辣” (mild) or “少辣” (less), not “不辣”, when you want some heat.
- Know the scale: 不辣 (none-ish), 微辣 (mild), 少辣 (less), 中辣 (medium), 特辣 (extra).
- Show the phrase card so the waiter reads it, not just hears it.
- If it arrives too hot, ask “可以重做少辣吗？”
When phrases alone aren't enough
In the kit
When 'not spicy' keeps failing, the kit gives the spice-scale card so the waiter reads it, not just hears it.
1. The lookup table
The full spice scale (不辣 / 微辣 / 少辣 / 中辣 / 特辣) as a showable card.
2. The trigger matrix
Which situation needs which phrase.
3. Offline printable version
The whole phrase kit as a printable card.
If nothing works
If the dish is still too spicy:
- Ask for a plain side dish or plain rice to balance it.
- Request “可以重做少辣吗？” for a replacement.
- Next time show the spice-scale card before ordering.
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