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How to Say "waitress" in Spanish

English → Spanish

camarera

kah-mah-REH-rah/kamaˈɾeɾa/

NounA1General
Use 'camarera' when you are referring to the profession or role of a female server in a restaurant or cafe.
A smiling woman wearing a neat uniform is holding a tray with a coffee cup, ready to serve in a brightly lit cafe setting.

Examples

La camarera nos trajo la cuenta inmediatamente.

The waitress brought us the bill immediately.

¿Puedes llamar a la camarera? Necesito más agua.

Can you call the server? I need more water.

Mi hermana trabaja de camarera en un bar del centro.

My sister works as a waitress in a downtown bar.

Gendered Nouns for Professions

Like many Spanish job titles, this noun changes based on the person's gender. The male version is 'camarero'.

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!

señorita

NounA2General
Use 'señorita' as a polite and common way to get the attention of a female server, similar to saying 'Miss' or 'Excuse me'.

Examples

Señorita, ¿nos puede traer la cuenta, por favor?

Miss, can you bring us the check, please?

Job Title vs. Polite Address

The most common mistake is using 'señorita' to describe the job of a waitress. Remember, 'camarera' is the actual job title, while 'señorita' is a polite way to address her.

Related Translations

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