Greeting someone in their native language is a wonderful way to connect with people and show respect for their culture. If you find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country and are looking to ask someone what they would like to order, here’s a helpful guide to get you started. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to ask this question, provide examples, and offer some regional variations (where necessary). Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways
When you want to be polite and show respect to someone you don’t know well, it’s important to use formal language. Here are two ways to ask “What would you like to order?” formally:
- “¿Qué desea ordenar?” – This is a basic way to ask someone what they would like to order. It’s commonly used in formal settings like restaurants and cafes, and it translates to “What would you like to order?” or “What do you wish to order?”
- “¿En qué puedo servirle?” – This is a more formal and polite way to ask someone what they would like to order. It translates to “How can I assist you?” or “How can I serve you?” but is commonly used as a way to ask for someone’s order when you’re serving them. This phrase shows a high level of politeness and respect.
Example:
Waiter: Buenos días, ¿qué desea ordenar?
Customer: Me gustaría una paella, por favor.
Waiter: Muy bien, señor. ¿Algo más?
2. Informal Ways
When you are in a casual setting or speaking to someone you know well, it’s common to use more informal language. Here are two ways to ask “What would you like to order?” informally:
- “¿Qué te gustaría pedir?” – This is a casual way to ask someone what they would like to order. It’s commonly used among friends, family, or in a casual dining environment. It translates to “What would you like to order?” or “What do you feel like ordering?”
- “¿Qué quieres comer?” – Another informal way to ask someone what they would like to order, this phrase translates to “What do you want to eat?” It’s commonly used among friends or family members who are deciding on a meal together.
Example:
Friend: Oye, ¿qué te gustaría pedir?
You: Quiero probar la especialidad de la casa, el ceviche.
Friend: ¡Buena elección!
3. Regional Variations
While Spanish is spoken across a wide range of countries, there can be some regional differences in the way people ask “What would you like to order?”. Here are a couple of examples:
- “¿Qué deseas ordenar?” – This variation is commonly used in Mexico and some Central American countries. It’s very similar to the formal phrase mentioned earlier, but uses the informal pronoun “tú” instead of the formal “usted.”
- “¿Qué vas a pedir?” – In some South American countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Chile, it’s common to use this phrase. It translates to “What are you going to order?” and is a more relaxed way of asking someone for their order.
Example:
Waitress: Buenos días, ¿qué vas a pedir?
Customer: Me gustaría probar el asado, por favor.
Waitress: ¡Excelente elección!
Conclusion
Asking someone “What would you like to order?” in Spanish can be done in various ways depending on the level of formality and the region you are in. We hope this guide has provided you with useful phrases to connect with Spanish speakers and explore the incredible cuisine of Spanish-speaking countries. Remember to practice these phrases to ensure smooth and respectful communication!
