limpiar mesas
/limpjaɾ mesas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'bus tables' can be translated into Spanish as limpiar mesas.
While 'bus' is a specific industry term in English, in Spanish, the most natural way to express this task is by using the general verb for 'to clean'.
How do you pronounce it?
/limpjaɾ mesas/
Did you know?
- In a formal Spanish dining setting, clearing the table is often referred to as desbarasar, a specialized term that implies removing everything to leave the surface bare.
- The verb limpiar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'limpid', which describes something clear or transparent like water.
- In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the person who performs this task is often called an ayudante de mesero, meaning 'waiter's helper'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿puede recoger la mesa de la señora en la esquina?Could you please bus the table of the lady in the corner?
- Puedes quitar los platos sucios de esa mesa, por favor?Can you remove the dirty plates from that table, please?
- Tengo que limpiar mesas antes de que lleguen los clientes.I have to bus tables before the customers arrive.
- Él está ayudando a limpiar mesas en el comedor.He is helping to bus tables in the dining room.
Example conversation
Two coworkers are talking in a restaurant during a slow period.
- ElenaElena, ¿puedes ayudarme a limpiar mesas?Elena, can you help me bus tables?
- JavierSí, Javier, terminaré de lavar los platos primero.Yes, Javier, I will finish washing the dishes first.
- ElenaEstá bien, yo empezaré a limpiar mesas.That's fine, I will start bussing tables.
- JavierGracias, así terminaremos más rápido.Thanks, that way we will finish faster.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries limpiar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
