두 명 자리요
du myeong jariyo
In Korean, "table for 2" is expressed as 두 명 자리요 (du myeong jariyo).
A request made to a restaurant host for a seating area that accommodates two people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 두 (two), 명 (counter for people), 자리 (seat/space) and the polite particle 요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 요 at the end makes the phrase a polite request suitable for speaking to restaurant staff.
How do you pronounce it?
du myeong jariyo
When do people say it?
You can greet a host or waiter with 안녕하세요.
Did you know?
- In many traditional Korean restaurants, you do not sit at a 'table' in the Western sense, but rather around a low table on the floor. In these cases, the word 자리 (jari) refers more to the 'floor space' or 'spot' you are being assigned.
- While 두 명 자리요 is perfectly understandable, you might often hear the counter 분 (bun) used instead of 명 to show higher respect to your guests. Using 두 분 makes the request sound more elegant and polite in formal dining settings.
- The word 두 (du) originates from Middle Korean and was recorded as early as 1447 in the epic poem Yongbi eocheon'ga. This means the way you count 'two' has remained remarkably stable for over five centuries.
Examples in context
- 두 명 자리요.du myeong jariyo.A table for two, please.
- 저희 두 명 자리요.jeohui du myeong jariyo.A table for the two of us, please.
- 혹시 두 명 자리요?hoksi du myeong jariyo?By any chance, is there a table for two?
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun arrive at a busy restaurant.
- 수빈 Su-bin안녕하세요, 두 명 자리요.annyeonghaseyo, du myeong jariyo.Hello, a table for two, please.
- 도현 Do-hyeon잠시만요. 이쪽으로 오세요.jamsimanyo. ijjogeuro oseyo.One moment. Please come this way.
- 수빈 Su-bin감사합니다, 도현 씨.gamsahapnida, Dohyun ssi.Thank you, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 여기 앉으세요.ne, yeogi anjeuseyo.Yes, please sit here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 두, 명, CC BY-SA 4.0.
