这个辣吗？

When to use

Ask this question before ordering a dish if you are sensitive to spicy food or simply want to know the spice level.

How it works

This is a simple question asking 'This spicy particle?'. The structure is Subject + Adjective + Question Particle.

• 这 (zhè): this
• 个 (ge): measure word (general purpose)
• 辣 (là): spicy
• 吗 (ma): question particle

Adjective as Predicate

In Chinese, adjectives can often function as predicates directly, especially in simple questions like this. '这 (zhè)' + measure word '个 (ge)' acts as the subject, and '辣 (là)' is the predicate, asking if the subject possesses the quality of being spicy.

Word Breakdown

While '这个 (zhè ge)' literally means 'this one', in this context it functions as a demonstrative pronoun referring to the dish being discussed or pointed at.

Notes

Crucial question to ask about dishes you're unfamiliar with.