A table for two, please.
in SpanishUna mesa para dos, por favor.
/OO-nah MEH-sah PAH-rah dohs, por fah-VOR./
This is the most common, polite, and universally understood way to ask for a table for two. It's your go-to phrase that works perfectly in any restaurant, in any Spanish-speaking country.
A simple gesture and a smile can go a long way. Use 'Una mesa para dos, por favor' to ask for your table.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Mesa para dos, por favor.
/MEH-sah PAH-rah dohs, por fah-VOR./
A slightly more direct version of the primary phrase, dropping the 'Una' (A/One). It's extremely common and sounds perfectly natural.
Somos dos.
/SOH-mohs dohs./
Literally 'We are two.' This is a very common and natural way to state your party size. It's direct but not considered rude at all in a restaurant context.
¿Nos da una mesa para dos, por favor?
/nohs dah OO-nah MEH-sah PAH-rah dohs, por fah-VOR?/
This translates to 'Can you give us a table for two, please?'. It's a slightly more elaborate and polite way to phrase the request.
Quisiera una mesa para dos, por favor.
/kee-see-EH-rah OO-nah MEH-sah PAH-rah dohs, por fah-VOR./
'I would like a table for two, please.' Using 'quisiera' is one of the most polite ways to make a request in Spanish. It's soft and respectful.
¿Tiene una mesa para dos?
/tee-EH-neh OO-nah MEH-sah PAH-rah dohs?/
'Do you have a table for two?' This is a common, conversational way to ask. It uses the formal 'usted' form ('tiene'), which is always a safe bet.
¿Tienes una mesa para dos?
/tee-EH-nehs OO-nah MEH-sah PAH-rah dohs?/
This is the informal version of the previous phrase: 'Do you (familiar) have a table for two?'. It uses the 'tú' form ('tienes').
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here's a quick comparison of the most common ways to ask for a table, from most direct to most formal.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somos dos. | Casual | Quickly stating your party size in a casual cafe, tapas bar, or busy eatery. | In a formal, white-tablecloth restaurant where a more polite request is expected. |
| Una mesa para dos, por favor. | Neutral | Your all-purpose phrase. It works perfectly in 95% of situations, from casual to upscale. | Never a bad choice, but you could opt for 'Quisiera...' to be extra formal in very high-end places. |
| ¿Nos da una mesa para dos? | Polite | Showing a bit more politeness and friendliness than the standard phrase. Great for mid-range to nice restaurants. | It's never wrong, but might be a bit wordy for a very loud, busy, and informal spot. |
| Quisiera una mesa para dos. | Formal | Fine dining, special occasions, or when you want to be exceptionally respectful. | In a very casual, bustling tapas bar or food truck, where it might sound a little too stuffy. |
📈Difficulty Level
Most words are phonetic for English speakers. The main challenge is the rolled 'r' in 'por favor', but even a soft 'r' will be understood.
This is a set phrase. You're essentially memorizing a single unit, so there's no complex grammar to worry about.
While the basic phrase is simple, choosing between variations ('Somos dos' vs. 'Quisiera...') shows more advanced cultural awareness. However, the primary translation is always a safe bet.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering 'mesa' instead of the false friend 'tabla'.
- Mastering the rolled 'r' in 'por favor'.
💡Examples in Action
Hola, buenas noches. Una mesa para dos, por favor.
Hello, good evening. A table for two, please.
Disculpe, ¿tiene una mesa para dos en la terraza?
Excuse me, do you have a table for two on the terrace?
Hola, ¿qué tal? Somos dos.
Hi, how's it going? We are two.
Buenas tardes. Quisiera una mesa para dos, si es posible. Tenemos una reserva a nombre de Smith.
Good afternoon. I would like a table for two, if possible. We have a reservation under the name Smith.
🌍Cultural Context
Wait to Be Seated
In most Spanish-speaking countries, it's customary to wait at the entrance to be seated by a host ('camarero', 'mesero', or 'anfitrión'). Unlike in some casual places in the U.S., seating yourself is uncommon unless explicitly indicated by a sign like 'Sírvase usted mismo' (Serve yourself).
The Power of 'Por Favor'
While it might seem obvious, adding 'por favor' (please) is crucial. Politeness is highly valued, and simply stating 'Una mesa para dos' without it can come across as abrupt or demanding, especially to an older person.
Reservations are Recommended
Especially in major cities in Spain and Latin America, popular restaurants get booked up, particularly for dinner which often starts late (9 PM or later). Making a reservation ('una reserva' or 'una reservación') is a good idea. You can say 'Tengo una reserva para dos' (I have a reservation for two).
Directness is Not Rudeness
Using a short phrase like 'Somos dos' (We are two) might feel blunt to an English speaker, but it's a perfectly normal and efficient way to communicate in this context. It's understood as a direct answer to the host's unasked question: 'How many?'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Tabla' for 'Table'
Mistake: "Una tabla para dos, por favor."
Correction: Una mesa para dos, por favor.
Forgetting 'Por Favor'
Mistake: "Dame una mesa para dos."
Correction: ¿Nos da una mesa para dos, por favor?
Translating 'For' as 'Por'
Mistake: "Una mesa por dos."
Correction: Una mesa para dos.
💡Pro Tips
Use a Hand Gesture
Don't underestimate the power of non-verbal cues! As you say 'Una mesa para dos,' holding up two fingers is a universal signal that helps bridge any language or noise gap. It's friendly and effective.
Specify Your Preference
If you have a seating preference, you can easily add it to the end of your request. For example: '...en la terraza' (on the terrace/patio), '...afuera' (outside), '...adentro' (inside), or '...cerca de la ventana' (near the window).
Be Ready for the Follow-Up
The host will likely ask a question back. The most common one is '¿Tiene(n) reserva?' (Do you have a reservation?). Be ready to say 'Sí' or 'No'. If you don't have one, they might tell you the wait time, e.g., 'Una espera de veinte minutos' (A 20-minute wait).
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
In Spain, using the informal 'vosotros' form ('tenéis') is common when addressing younger staff in a casual setting. Tipping culture is also different; a small amount is appreciated but large percentages are not standard.
Mexico
Politeness is paramount. Using phrases like '¿Nos da...?' or the future tense for politeness ('¿Tendrá...?') is very common and appreciated. The staff are often referred to as 'joven' (young person) or 'señorita'/'señor'.
Argentina & Uruguay
The use of 'vos' instead of 'tú' is universal, so informal questions become '¿Tenés...?' instead of '¿Tienes...?'. The general phrasing for the request remains the same.
💬What Comes Next?
The host confirms they have a table.
Claro, por aquí, por favor.
Of course, this way, please.
Gracias.
Thank you.
The restaurant is full and you don't have a reservation.
Lo siento, estamos completos. La espera es de media hora.
I'm sorry, we're full. The wait is half an hour.
Vale, esperamos. Gracias.
Okay, we'll wait. Thank you.
The host asks if you have a reservation.
¿Tienen reserva?
Do you have a reservation?
No, no tenemos.
No, we don't.
🧠Memory Tricks
This simple sound association links the English word 'messy' to the Spanish word 'mesa', making it easier to recall under pressure.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, we might say 'Just the two of us' or 'Party of two.' The Spanish equivalent 'Somos dos' ('We are two') is much more direct and common. Spanish also has more built-in levels of politeness, like using 'Quisiera' ('I would like'), which is much more common than its English equivalent in everyday dining.
The Spanish phrase 'Somos dos' is more direct than what's typical in English but is considered perfectly normal and not rude. Conversely, using highly polite forms like 'Quisiera...' is more common in Spanish for everyday situations than its English counterpart 'I would like...'.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: This is a classic 'false friend.' 'Tabla' in Spanish refers to a board, plank, or chart. For example, a 'tabla de quesos' is a cheese board. A dining table is always 'una mesa'.
Use instead: Always use 'una mesa' when referring to the piece of furniture you eat at in a restaurant.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to ask for the menu
This is the logical next step after you've been seated at your table.
How to order a drink
You'll often be asked what you want to drink before you even look at the food menu.
How to ask for the check
Knowing this is essential for finishing your meal and paying.
How to say 'I have a reservation'
A crucial phrase for busy restaurants or if you've planned ahead.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: A table for two, please.
Question 1 of 3
You've just walked into a busy but casual restaurant in Madrid. What is the most standard and appropriate way to ask for a table?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'una mesa para dos' and 'somos dos'?
'Una mesa para dos, por favor' is a direct request for a table. 'Somos dos' is a statement of your party size. Both achieve the same goal, but the first is a polite question, while the second is a direct, efficient answer to the host's implicit question of 'how many?'
Is it rude to just say 'Mesa para dos' without 'Una'?
Not at all! It's very common to drop the 'Una' (a/one). 'Mesa para dos, por favor' is perfectly polite and natural. The context makes it clear you're requesting one table.
How do I change the number for more people?
It's easy! Just swap out 'dos' (two) for any other number: 'una mesa para tres' (three), 'para cuatro' (four), 'para cinco' (five), and so on. The rest of the phrase stays exactly the same.
What if I want to sit outside?
You can add it to the end of your request. Say 'Una mesa para dos, afuera por favor' (outside, please) or '...en la terraza, por favor' (on the terrace/patio, please).
What's the most common mistake English speakers make with this phrase?
The most frequent error is confusing 'mesa' (dining table) with 'tabla' (board/plank). Always remember you eat at a 'mesa'. A close second is forgetting to add 'por favor' (please), which is very important for politeness.
Do I need to change the phrase if I'm alone?
Yes, you would change the number. You can say 'Una mesa para uno, por favor' (a table for one, please). You can also say 'Soy solo/sola' (I'm alone).
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