una mesa para tres
/una mesa paɾa tɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "table for three" is translated into Spanish as una mesa para tres.
This phrase is used to request a table that can accommodate three people at a restaurant. You can say una mesa para tres, por favor to mean "a table for three, please", which is the standard way to make the request politely upon arrival. For making a reservation, you can use Me gustaría hacer una reserva para tres personas, por favor (I would like to make a reservation for three people, please).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of una (a), mesa (table), para (for) and tres (three).
Which one should you use?
While una mesa para tres is the standard form, you can omit the article una and simply say mesa para tres in quick or casual settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can say ¿Nos podría dar una mesa para tres personas, por favor? to mean "Could you give us a table for three people, please?" or use Queremos reservar una mesa para tres, por favor for "We would like to reserve a table for three, please.". In Spain, you can use Queremos una mesa para tres personas to say "We want a table for three people.".
How do you pronounce it?
/una mesa paɾa tɾes/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, it is customary to leave the table only after the sobremesa has concluded, which is the period of chatting and relaxing after the meal is finished.
- In some traditional Spanish settings, you might encounter the concept of mesa corrida, where a fixed-price menu is served to all guests at a large communal table regardless of their party size.
- In Spanish, the word mesa can also refer to a 'mesa redonda', which is not just a round table but a common term for a panel discussion or a symposium.
Examples in context
- ¡Buen día! Una mesa para tres, por favor.Good day! A table for three, please.This example shows how to greet someone and request a table for three using una mesa para tres.Tatoeba #3004651 by hayastan, translation #12847687 by mexicanhere
- Me gustaría reservar una mesa para tres.I'd like to reserve a table for three.This example demonstrates how to express a desire to reserve a table for three using una mesa para tres.Tatoeba #398955 by mane, translation #29045 by CM
- Disculpe, ¿nos pueden dar una mesa para tres?Excuse me, can you give us a table for three?
- Hola, queremos reservar una mesa para tres personas para esta noche, por favorHello, we would like to reserve a table for three people for tonight, please
- Oye, ¿nos ponen una mesa para tres aquí?Hey, can we have a table for three here?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena arrive at a busy cafe.
- JavierBuenas tardes, queremos una mesa para tres.Good afternoon, we would like a table for three.
- ElenaClaro, Javier. Por favor, acompáñenme.Of course, Javier. Please, follow me.
- JavierMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada. Aquí tienen su mesa.You're welcome. Here is your table.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
