1名です
ichimei desu
In Japanese, "table for one" is expressed as 1名です (ichimei desu).
When entering a restaurant, you say this phrase to indicate the number of people in your party rather than literally requesting a "table".
What does it mean word for word?
The word 1名 (ichimei) literally means "one person" in a formal counting context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
1名です is very professional. For an even more formal request, you can use お一人様の席をお願いします。 to mean "May I have a seat for one, please?"
How do you pronounce it?
ichimei desu
Did you know?
- Japan has a growing culture of 'ohitorisama' お一人様, a term describing the trend of proudly doing activities, like dining or karaoke, alone.
- In many Japanese restaurants, if you say 1名です, the staff may lead you to a counter or a 'solo spot' rather than a standard table. This is because 'counter seating' is a culturally accepted and highly common way to enjoy a meal alone.
- In much more casual settings, like a quick noodle shop, you would likely skip the formal 1名です and simply use the word 一人 (hitori). Using the formal version in a tiny ramen stall might actually sound a bit too stiff.
Examples in context
- 1名です。ichimei desu.A table for one, please.
- すみません、1名です。sumimasen, ichimei desu.Excuse me, a table for one.
- 今日は1名です。kyou wa ichimei desu.It is just one person today.
Example conversation
A man enters a restaurant and is greeted by the hostess.
- 陽葵 Himariいらっしゃいませ。何名様ですか？Irasshaimase. Nanmei-sama desu ka?Welcome. How many people are in your party?
- 大翔 Hiroto1名です。お願いします。Ichimei desu. Onegaishimasu.Table for one, please.
- 陽葵 Himariかしこまりました。こちらへどうぞ。Kashikomarimashita. Kochira e douzo.Certainly. Right this way.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
