Uma mesa para dois
/ˈũ.ɐ ˈme.zɐ pa.ɾɐ ˈdojs/word by word
In Portuguese, "table for two" is Uma mesa para dois.
This phrase is used to request a restaurant table that can accommodate two people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Uma (a/one), mesa (table), para (for) and dois (two).
Which one should you use?
You can say Uma mesa para dois or simply Mesa para dois. Dropping the article Uma is a common, more concise way to state the request when speaking to a host.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, a common expression is Mesa para dois, se faz favor. In Brazil, you might hear Uma mesa para dois, por gentileza. In Angola, Arranja uma mesa para dois, se faz favor. is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈũ.ɐ ˈme.zɐ pa.ɾɐ ˈdojs/
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word mesa is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'mensa', which is the Latin-derived name for organizations or concepts involving a 'table' or 'board'.
- In Angola, the phrase Arranja uma mesa para dois uses the verb arranjar, which implies 'fixing' or 'sorting out' a table rather than just requesting one.
Examples in context
- Gostaria de reservar uma mesa para dois.I'd like to reserve a table for two.This sentence is useful for practicing how to reserve a table using Uma mesa para dois.Tatoeba #1396667 by alexmarcelo, translation #72808 by CK
- Uma mesa para dois, por favor.A table for two, please.
- Você quer uma mesa para dois?Do you want a table for two?
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz arrive at a restaurant.
- RodrigoBoa noite, queremos uma mesa para dois.Good evening, we would like a table for two.
- BeatrizCom certeza. Vocês têm reserva?Of course. Do you have a reservation?
- RodrigoNão, não temos reserva.No, we don't have a reservation.
- BeatrizTudo bem, por aqui, por favor.That's fine, this way, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (uma, mesa, para, dois) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dois, mesa, para, uma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
