वेटर
veṭareveryday, English loanword
In Hindi the word is the English loan वेटर (veṭar). To call a waiter at a table, people politely say भैया (bhaiyā), meaning brother. It is also called बैरा (bairā).
Meaning: restaurant server (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| वेटर | veṭar | everyday, English loanword |
| भैया | bhaiyā | calling a waiter politely |
| बैरा | bairā | older usage |
You can say भैया, पानी लाइए (bhaiyā, pānī lāie), brother, please bring water. Do not snap your fingers, which is considered rude.
Which one should you use?
बैरा (bairā) is an older word that you may hear in older restaurants, but वेटर (veṭar) is the common one now.
Did you know?
- Calling a stranger भैया (bhaiyā) is a common sign of friendly respect in India, for waiters, drivers and shopkeepers.
Examples in context
- वेटर, बिल लाइए।veṭar, bil lāie.Waiter, please bring the bill.
- भैया, एक पानी देना।bhaiyā, ek pānī denā.Brother, bring a water.
Example conversation
Diner Rita calls the waiter at a small restaurant.
- Ritaभैया, मेन्यू दीजिए।bhaiyā, menyū dījie.Brother, give me the menu.
- Waiterजी, अभी लाया।jī, abhī lāyā.Yes, I will bring it now.
- Ritaऔर पानी भी।aur pānī bhī.And water too.
