una mesa para uno
/una mesa paɾa uno/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "table for one" is una mesa para uno.
This phrase is used to request a table that accommodates a single person from a restaurant host. It is standard and polite to add por favor to the end of the phrase when making the request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of una mesa (a table), para (for) and uno (one).
How do you pronounce it?
/una mesa paɾa uno/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, dining alone is rare, and a server might instinctively ask ¿lo acompaña alguien? to check if you are actually waiting for a companion.
- The word mesa shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'measure', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to measure'.
- While una mesa para uno is the standard request, in many casual Spanish tapas bars, you do not ask for a table but simply stand at the bar and order your food.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿tiene una mesa para uno?Hello, do you have a table for one?
- Quisiera una mesa para uno, por favor.I would like a table for one, please.
- Busco una mesa para uno en la terraza.I am looking for a table for one on the terrace.
Example conversation
Elena arrives at a restaurant and is greeted by Alejandro.
- ElenaHola, buenas noches. Busco una mesa para uno.Hello, good evening. I am looking for a table for one.
- AlejandroHola, Elena. Sí, tenemos un lugar disponible ahora.Hello, Elena. Yes, we have a spot available now.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada. Sígame por aquí, por favor.You're welcome. Follow me this way, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mesa, para, una, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
