두 명 자리요
du myeong jariyo
In Korean, "table for two" is expressed as 두 명 자리요 (du myeong jariyo).
This phrase is used as a concise way to state your party size when entering a restaurant.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 두 (two), 명 (counter for people), 자리 (seat/space) and the polite particle 요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending 요 makes the phrase a polite request suitable for speaking to restaurant staff.
How do you pronounce it?
du myeong jariyo
Did you know?
- In many Korean restaurants, you may find a bell on the table. Instead of calling out to staff after being seated, you press the bell to signal that you are ready to order.
- The word 명 used for counting people is a Sino-Korean word derived from the character for 'name' 名.
- In many traditional Korean restaurants, you might not be seated at a table at all, but rather on the floor in a space called 좌식 (sitting-style).
Examples in context
- 저희 두 명 자리요.jeohui du myeong jari-yo.A table for two for us.
- 혹시 두 명 자리요?hoksi du myeong jari-yo?Is there a table for two available?
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji arrive at a small restaurant.
- 지훈 Ji-hun두 명 자리요.du myeong jari-yo.A table for two, please.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 이쪽으로 오세요.ne, ijjogeuro oseyo.Yes, please come this way.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 여기 자리 좋아 보여요.Minji ssi, yeogi jari joa boyeoyo.Minji, this table looks nice.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 좋네요!jeongmal jonneyo!It's really nice!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 두, 명, CC BY-SA 4.0.
