French Phrase
On doit attendre pour une table ?
Meaning
This question asks whether it is necessary to wait for a table at a restaurant. It can be used politely to confirm if there is a waiting time before being seated.
When to use
Use this phrase when you arrive at a café or restaurant and want to know if you need to wait for a table, especially if the place looks busy or the host has not given you a clear answer.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ondoitattendrepourunetable?
On (impersonal pronoun)
"On" is used like "we" or "one" in everyday French, especially in spoken language.
Devoir (doit)
"Doit" is the third‑person singular present of devoir, meaning "must" or "have to".
Infinitive after devoir
When devoir is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive (attendre).
Preposition "pour"
"Pour" introduces the purpose or goal of the waiting: "for a table".
Article agreement
"Une" agrees with the feminine noun "table".
🗨In Conversation
On doit attendre pour une table ?
Do we have to wait for a table?
Oui, il y a environ quinze minutes d’attente.
Yes, there’s about a fifteen‑minute wait.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous doit attendre pour une table?
"Nous" requires the verb form "devons"; the correct phrase is "Nous devons attendre".
On doit attendre à une table?
"Attendre" takes the preposition "pour" (or no preposition) when referring to waiting for something, not "à".
On doit attendre pour le table?
"Table" is feminine, so the article must be "une", not "le".
↔Alternatives
Faut‑il attendre pour une table ?
Do we need to wait for a table?
Doit‑on attendre pour une table ?
Must we wait for a table?
Est‑ce qu’on doit attendre pour une table ?
Is it necessary to wait for a table?
Cultural Tip
In French restaurants it’s considered polite to ask about the waiting time rather than assume you’ll be seated immediately. You’ll often hear "Il y a une petite attente" (There’s a short wait) or "Nous vous ferons attendre un moment" (We’ll have you wait a bit). Using "on" keeps the tone casual and friendly, which fits most everyday dining situations.