한 명 자리요
han myeong jariyo
The English phrase "table for one" is translated into Korean as 한 명 자리요 (han myeong jariyo).
This phrase is used specifically when arriving at a restaurant to indicate you only need seating for one person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 한 (one), 명 (counter for people), 자리 (seat/spot) and the polite particle 요.
Which one should you use?
While 한 명 자리요 is a polite way to request a seat, 한 명이에요 (It is one person) is a more direct way to state the number of people in your party.
How do you pronounce it?
han myeong jariyo
Did you know?
- The term 혼밥 (hon-bap) is a modern slang portmanteau combining 'alone' and 'rice' to describe the act of eating alone.
- In some traditional Korean BBQ spots, it is extremely rare to find a 한 명 자리 because the grills are designed for groups and the meat is often sold in portions meant for two or more.
- The counter 명 used in 한 명 is derived from the Sino-Korean character for 'name', reflecting a history of counting people by their registered names.
Examples in context
- 1인 테이블로 예약하고 싶습니다.I would like to reserve a table for one person.
- 혼자 왔어요. 한 명 자리요.honja wasseoyo. han myeong jaryoyo.I came alone. A table for one, please.
Example conversation
Subin enters a busy restaurant and speaks to the host, Minjun.
- 수빈 Su-bin안녕하세요, 한 명 자리요.annyeonghaseyo, han myeong jariyo.Hello, a table for one, please.
- 민준 Min-jun잠시만 기다려 주세요.jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo.Please wait a moment.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, I understand.
- 민준 Min-jun이쪽으로 오세요, 수빈 씨.ijjogeuro oseyo, Subin ssi.Please come this way, Subin.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 명, 한, CC BY-SA 4.0.
