camarera
/kah-mah-REH-rah/
waitress
When referring to a restaurant or café server, 'camarera' means 'waitress'.
camarera(Noun)
waitress
?restaurant or café server (female)
server
?general term for service staff
📝 In Action
La camarera nos trajo la cuenta inmediatamente.
A1The waitress brought us the bill immediately.
¿Puedes llamar a la camarera? Necesito más agua.
A1Can you call the server? I need more water.
Mi hermana trabaja de camarera en un bar del centro.
A2My sister works as a waitress in a downtown bar.
💡 Grammar Points
Gendered Nouns for Professions
Like many Spanish job titles, this noun changes based on the person's gender. The male version is 'camarero'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Camarera and Cocinera
Mistake: "Using 'camarera' when you mean 'cocinera' (cook)."
Correction: A 'camarera' serves the food; a 'cocinera' prepares it. They are different jobs!
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Address
To get a server's attention, it's often polite to use 'Perdón' (Excuse me) or 'Disculpe' (Pardon me) rather than just shouting '¡Camarera!'
'Camarera' can also refer to a 'chambermaid', a female staff member who cleans and tidies hotel rooms.
📝 In Action
La camarera del hotel dejó toallas limpias en la habitación.
B1The chambermaid left clean towels in the room.
Por favor, avise a la camarera que ya puede limpiar mi cuarto.
B2Please inform the housekeeper that she can clean my room now.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
In a hotel, 'camarera' usually refers to the room cleaning staff, not the restaurant staff (unless you specify 'camarera del restaurante').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: camarera
Question 1 of 2
If you are dining in a restaurant, which person is the 'camarera'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'camarera' used everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world?
It is the standard term in Spain. In many parts of Latin America, especially Mexico and Central America, 'mesera' (derived from 'mesa,' meaning table) is often preferred, but 'camarera' is still understood.
How is 'camarera' related to the word 'cámara'?
'Cámara' means 'room' or 'chamber.' A 'camarera' is historically a person who works in a room (a chambermaid or attendant). The job title reflects this origin of attending to private or public spaces.