una cerveza, por favor
/ˈuna θeɾˈbeθa poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
The English phrase "beer, please" is translated into Spanish as una cerveza, por favor.
This phrase is a polite request used when ordering a beer from a server.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "a beer, please". The word una is the feminine singular indefinite article, which matches the feminine noun cerveza.
Which one should you use?
When ordering, it is more natural to use una (a beer) rather than la (the beer) if you are ordering for the first time.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Una cerveza, porfa is widely used. In Spain, there are more specific ways to order depending on the type of beer: use Una caña, por favor to request a small draft beer and Un botellín, por favor to request a small bottled beer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The indefinite article una is used here in its feminine singular form to agree with the feminine noun cerveza.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuna θeɾˈbeθa poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- The word caña, used to order a small draft beer in Spain, literally means 'cane' or 'reed', referring to the long shape of the glass.
- In Spain, the specific order of una caña is often repeated throughout a night out, as the small glasses keep the beer from warming up in the heat.
- The word favor comes from the Latin 'faveō', which means 'to favor' or 'to be favorable to'.
Examples in context
- ¿Me das una cerveza, porfa?Could you give me a beer, please?
- Hola, una cerveza, por favor.Hello, a beer, please.
- Para mí, una cerveza, por favor.For me, a beer, please.
- Camarero, una cerveza, por favor.Waiter, a beer, please.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at a bar.
- DanielHola, una cerveza, por favor.Hello, a beer, please.
- Sofía¿De barril o botella, Daniel?Draft or bottle, Daniel?
- DanielDe barril está bien.Draft is fine.
- SofíaMuy bien, sale enseguida.Very well, it will be out shortly.
