une table pour quatre
In French, "table for four" is translated as une table pour quatre.
This phrase is used when requesting a table in a restaurant that can accommodate four people. It is standard practice in a restaurant setting to append s'il vous plaît to the end of the phrase to remain polite.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of une (a), table (table), pour (for) and quatre (four).
How does it change in a sentence?
While une table pour quatre is common in casual speech, adding the word personnes (people) to create une table pour quatre personnes makes the request more complete and formal.
Did you know?
- If you are dining in a very formal French setting, you might refer to your group as 'quatre couverts' instead of 'quatre personnes'.
- In France, it is customary for the host to lead you to your table rather than choosing your own seat, even in casual eateries.
- The word table is a doublet of tôle and taule, meaning they both share the same ancient root but evolved into different words with different meanings.
Examples in context
- Une table pour quatre s'il vous plaît.A table for four, please.This is useful for polite requests.Tatoeba #5991411 by christian63, translation #11031293 by sundown
- J'ai réservé une table pour quatre personnes.I have booked a table for four.This shows how to mention a prior booking using une table pour quatre.Tatoeba #618596 by Archibald, translation #436663 by lukaszpp
- Je souhaiterais réserver une table pour quatre pour demain soir.I'd like to book a table for four for tomorrow night.This is used for making a reservation for a specific time using une table pour quatre.Tatoeba #731140 by U2FS, translation #323219 by CM
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon arrive at a restaurant.
- GabrielBonjour, on voudrait une table pour quatre.Hello, we would like a table for four.
- ManonBien sûr, suivez-moi s'il vous plaît.Of course, follow me please.
- GabrielMerci beaucoup, Manon.Thank you very much, Manon.
- ManonJe vous en prie, Gabriel.You're welcome, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pour, quatre, table, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
