Getting seated
Conversation phrases, Stage 4chunk 13 of 23Errands and service
Answer the questions and directions staff give as they seat you.
- nanmeisama desu kahow many people?; how many in your party?
- kochira e douzothis way, please
- osuki na seki e douzosit anywhere you like
- goyoyaku wa sarete imasu kado you have a reservation?
Mix-ups Kochira e douzo (this way) is easy to confuse with kochira no reji e douzo (this register).
nanmeisama desu ka
how many people?; how many in your party?
The first thing restaurant staff ask; answer with the number, hitori desu or futari desu, and hold up fingers.
Also heard as nanmeisama deshou ka. Watch the counting: hitori, futari, then sannin, yonin.
irasshaimase. nanmeisama desu ka?
Welcome. How many people?
いらっしゃいませ。何名様ですか？
Written 何名様ですか · なんめいさまですかWho said to youHeard 3× in 3.17 million lines of film and TV subtitles
kochira e douzo
this way, please
Staff say it while leading you to a seat or room; just follow them.
You can say it too when guiding a guest. Kochira is the polite word for this way (casual kotchi).
oseki e goannai shimasu. kochira e douzo.
I'll show you to your table. This way, please.
お席へご案内します。こちらへどうぞ。
Written こちらへどうぞWho said to youHeard 90× in 3.17 million lines of film and TV subtitles
osuki na seki e douzo
sit anywhere you like
Staff say it when there are free tables; just pick one.
ohitori desu ne. osuki na seki e douzo.
Just one? Sit anywhere you like.
お一人ですね。お好きな席へどうぞ。
Written お好きな席へどうぞ · おすきなせきへどうぞWho said to youHeard 2× in 3.17 million lines of film and TV subtitles
goyoyaku wa sarete imasu ka
do you have a reservation?
Asked at a restaurant door or hotel desk; answer hai, then your name + desu, or iie.
Also heard as goyoyaku wa gozaimasu ka?
irasshaimase. goyoyaku wa sarete imasu ka?
Welcome. Do you have a reservation?
いらっしゃいませ。ご予約はされていますか？
Written ご予約はされていますか · ごよやくはされていますかWho said to youHeard 7× in 3.17 million lines of film and TV subtitles