U Aung Hein - Eat and Speak English

1. How waiters greet guests when they arrive

Good morning. (Sir)

Hello (teacher),

(Greetings between dawn and 12 noon)

Good afternoon. (Madam)

Hello. (Madam/Sister)

(Greetings between 12 noon and 6 pm)

Good evening. (Miss) Hello.

(Greetings between 6pm and 12am)

Note - Sir, Madam, Miss are polite terms used by restaurant staff and salespeople to address guests entering a restaurant.

Sir is used to address men (like brother, teacher, etc.)

Madam is used to refer to older women (like older sister or aunt here).

Miss is used to refer to young women (like sister or younger sister here).

2. Different ways guests say they want a table

Good afternoon.

Hello.

A table for two, please.

I would like a table for 2 people.

Good evening.

Hello.

We'd like a table for four, please.

I want a table for 4 people.

A table for one, please. A table for one person.

A table for three, please. A table for three people.

Have you got a table for five?

I'd like a nonsmoking table for two.

I would like a table for 2 in a non-smoking area.

3. The waiter asks where you would like to sit.

Where would you like to sit?. Where would you like to sit?

Would you like a smoking or non-smoking?

Would you like to sit in a smoking area? Would you like to sit in a non-smoking area?

Smoking or nonsmoking. Would you like to sit in a smoking area or a nonsmoking area?

Smoking or non. Is it a place where smoking is allowed or not allowed?

4. Different ways guests say where they want to go

Can I have the table by the window ?

Can I take the table over there? Can I sit at the table over there?

Excuse me, Miss. Could we have the table over there by the window?

A girl with a goat. Can I have a table by the window?

Is that table free, waiter? Is that table free, waiter ?

I prefer the one in that quiet corner. I prefer the one in that quiet corner.

I want to be near the dance floor. I want to sit near the dance floor.

I'd like a smoking section. I'd like a place where you can smoke.

I'd like a nonsmoking section. I'd like a nonsmoking section.

Please seat me as far as possible from the smoking section.

Make sure you are as far away from smoking areas as possible.

Smoking. I would like a place where I can smoke.

Nonsmoking. I would like to stay in a place where smoking is not allowed.

Do you have a nonsmoking section? Is there a nonsmoking section?