Japanese for Walk-In Seating: Ask for a Table for Two
Learn to request a table for a specific number of people in Japanese when you arrive without a reservation. Master the phrase 'A table for two, please' and adapt it for other party sizes.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you walk into a Japanese restaurant without a reservation, you need to ask for a table for your group. This lesson teaches you the essential phrase 'A table for two, please' and how to change the number for other party sizes. You will learn the polite expression 'Futari desu' (We are two) and the more explicit request 'Futari-yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu'. We focus on walk-in seating, not reservations, so you can confidently enter and ask for a table. You will also learn how to respond to staff questions and understand common replies. By the end, you will be able to request seating for any number of people politely.
By the end, you can…
- ask for a table for two people in Japanese when entering a restaurant.
- change the number of people in the request to suit my group size.
- understand and respond to basic questions from restaurant staff about party size.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
二人です。
We are two (people).
Futari desu.
The most common way to state your party size when entering a restaurant. It implies a request for a table for two. Use this after greeting the staff.
二人用のテーブルをお願いします。
A table for two, please.
Futari-yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu.
A more explicit request for a table for two. Use '~yō no' to specify the purpose (for ~ people). This is polite and clear.
三人です。
We are three (people).
San-nin desu.
Change the number to 'san-nin' for three people. Use this pattern for any number: 'yo-nin' (4), 'go-nin' (5), etc.
予約はしていません。
I don't have a reservation.
Yoyaku wa shite imasen.
Use this if the staff asks if you have a reservation. It clarifies that you are a walk-in customer.
空いていますか。
Is there a table available? / Are you free?
Aite imasu ka.
Ask this to check if there is seating available. It is a general way to inquire about availability. Note that this can also mean 'Are you free?' about a person, so in a restaurant it is clearer to say 'Aite iru seki wa arimasu ka' (Is there a free seat?).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To state how many people are in your party, use the pattern: [Number] + [counter] + です (desu). For example, 'Futari desu' means 'We are two.' The counter for people is 'nin', but note the irregular forms: 'hitori' (1 person), 'futari' (2 people), and then 'san-nin' (3), 'yo-nin' (4), 'go-nin' (5), and so on. For a more explicit request, say '[Number] + [counter] + 用のテーブルをお願いします' (…-yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu). Example: 'Futari-yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu' (A table for two, please). You can also use '~yō no seki' for 'seats for ~ people'. Always use polite forms with staff.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you enter a restaurant without a reservation. Start with a greeting like 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me) to get attention, then state your party size. If the staff asks 'Nan-mei-sama desu ka' (How many people are you?), respond with '[Number] + counter + desu', for example 'Futari desu'. If they ask 'Yoyaku wa arimasu ka' (Do you have a reservation?), say 'Iie, yoyaku wa shite imasen' (No, I don't have a reservation). For larger groups, you might ask 'Go-nin-yō no tēburu wa arimasu ka' (Do you have a table for five?). If the restaurant is full, they may say 'Mōshiwake gozaimasen, aite orimasen' (I'm sorry, we have no tables available).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、二人です。
Excuse me, we are two.Sumimasen, futari desu.はい、こちらへどうぞ。
Yes, this way please.Hai, kochira e dōzo.予約はしていませんが、大丈夫ですか。
We don't have a reservation, but is that okay?Yoyaku wa shite imasen ga, daijōbu desu ka.はい、大丈夫です。お二人様、こちらです。
Yes, that's fine. Two people, this way.Hai, daijōbu desu. O-futari-sama, kochira desu.A little context goes a long way
In Japan, walk-in seating is common at many restaurants, but popular places may require a reservation. When you enter, staff will usually greet you with 'Irasshaimase' (welcome); you can respond with a slight bow or 'Konnichiwa'. Stating your party size immediately helps staff seat you efficiently. If you have a preference for smoking or non-smoking, you can add 'Kitsuen-seki' or 'Kin'en-seki' respectively. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so do not leave extra money on the table.
One thing to watch for
Using 'futatsu' (two things) instead of 'futari' (two people) when stating the number of people.
Try this instead: Use 'futari' for two people. 'Futatsu' is for counting objects. For example, 'Futari desu' means 'We are two people,' while 'Futatsu desu' would mean 'There are two (items).' Always use the people counter 'nin' (with irregulars 'hitori' and 'futari') for party size.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'We are four people' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
Yo-nin desu.
The counter for people is 'nin', and four is 'yo-nin'. This is the standard way to state your party size. Alternatively, you could say 'Yo-nin-yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu' for a more explicit request.
2What should you say if the staff asks if you have a reservation and you don't?
Show a sample answer
Yoyaku wa shite imasen.
This means 'I don't have a reservation.' It is polite and clear. You could also say 'Iie, yoyaku wa arimasen' which is slightly less formal but still acceptable.
3How do you ask for a table for three people explicitly?
Show a sample answer
San-nin-yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu.
This uses the pattern '[Number]-nin-yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu'. 'San-nin' is three people, and 'yō' means 'for'. This is a polite and direct request.
To ask for a table for two when walking in, simply say 'Futari desu' with a smile. For other party sizes, replace 'futari' with the correct number + 'nin' (e.g., 'san-nin', 'yo-nin'). If you need to be more explicit, use '~yō no tēburu o onegaishimasu'. Always greet staff first with 'Sumimasen' to get their attention.
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