Korean for Walk-In Dining: Requesting a Table for Two
Learn to ask for a table for a specific number of people in Korean when you arrive without a reservation. Master the phrase 'A table for two, please' and related expressions.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you walk into a Korean restaurant without a reservation, you need to know how to ask for a table for a certain number of people. This lesson focuses on the essential phrase 'A table for two, please' and its variations. You will learn how to state the number of people, use the polite request form, and understand the difference between walk-in seating and making a reservation. By the end, you will be able to confidently request a table in Korean.
By the end, you can…
- ask for a table for a specific number of people in Korean.
- use the phrase 'A table for two, please' appropriately.
- understand and respond to basic questions about seating.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
두 명이요.
Two people.
du myeong-i-yo
Use this to state the number of people in your party when entering a restaurant. It is polite and commonly used. Note: 명 is the native Korean counter for people; the number before it uses native Korean numerals (한, 두, 세, 네...).
테이블 주세요.
A table, please.
te-i-beul ju-se-yo
A general request for a table. You can combine it with the number of people: '두 명 테이블 주세요.' Note: 테이블 is a loanword; many restaurants also use the native word 자리 (seat), e.g. '두 명 자리 주세요.'
두 명 테이블 주세요.
A table for two, please.
du myeong te-i-beul ju-se-yo
This is the direct equivalent of 'A table for two, please.' It is suitable for walk-in seating.
예약했어요.
I have a reservation.
ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo
Use this if you have made a reservation. It contrasts with walk-in seating.
몇 분이세요?
How many people?
myeot bun-i-se-yo?
A question you might hear from staff. Respond with '두 명이요' or another number. Note: 분 is the honorific counter for people, used when asking about the other party; you answer with the plain counter 명 (e.g. 두 명이요).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask for a table for a specific number of people, use the pattern: [number] 명 테이블 주세요. For example, '한 명 테이블 주세요' (A table for one, please), '두 명 테이블 주세요' (A table for two, please), '세 명 테이블 주세요' (A table for three, please). The counter 명 is used for people, and the numbers before it are native Korean numerals (한, 두, 세, 네...). 주세요 means 'please give me.' This pattern is polite and direct, perfect for walk-in situations.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you enter a restaurant without a reservation and want to be seated. If the restaurant is busy, you might be asked '몇 분이세요?' (How many people?). Respond with '두 명이요' or the appropriate number. If you have a reservation, say '예약했어요' instead. For walk-ins, simply stating the number of people and requesting a table is sufficient. Avoid using these phrases for making a reservation over the phone; for that, you would say '예약하고 싶어요' (I would like to make a reservation). Note: staff use the honorific counter 분 when asking about you, but you answer with the plain counter 명.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
어서 오세요. 몇 분이세요?
Welcome. How many people?eo-seo o-se-yo. myeot bun-i-se-yo?두 명이요. 테이블 주세요.
Two people. A table, please.du myeong-i-yo. te-i-beul ju-se-yo.네, 이쪽으로 오세요.
Yes, please come this way.ne, i-jjok-eu-ro o-se-yo.감사합니다.
Thank you.gam-sa-ham-ni-da.A little context goes a long way
In Korea, it is common to wait to be seated at restaurants, even for walk-ins. Staff may ask '몇 분이세요?' as soon as you enter. Responding promptly with the number of people is polite. Tipping is not customary, and service is usually quick. If you have a reservation, mention it immediately to avoid confusion.
One thing to watch for
Using '예약했어요' when you do not have a reservation, thinking it means 'I want a table.'
Try this instead: 예약했어요 means 'I have a reservation.' For walk-in seating, say '두 명 테이블 주세요' (A table for two, please) or simply '두 명이요' (Two people).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask for a table for four people in Korean?
Show a sample answer
네 명 테이블 주세요.
This uses the pattern [number] 명 테이블 주세요. 네 명 means four people. You could also say '네 명이요' if the staff asks how many people.
2What should you say if you have a reservation?
Show a sample answer
예약했어요.
This means 'I have a reservation.' It is the correct phrase to use when you have booked a table in advance, as opposed to walk-in seating.
3How do you respond to '몇 분이세요?' if there are three people in your group?
Show a sample answer
세 명이요.
This means 'Three people.' The counter 명 is used for people, and 이요 makes it polite. You could also say '세 명입니다' in more formal situations. Note: use the plain counter 명 for your own party; 분 is the honorific form used by staff when asking about you.
When walking into a Korean restaurant, state the number of people with 명 and request a table with 테이블 주세요. For two people, say '두 명 테이블 주세요.' Remember to use '예약했어요' only if you have a reservation.
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