Portuguese Phrase
A gente precisa de uma mesa para quatro.
Meaning
Literally, "We need a table for four." The phrase uses the informal "a gente" instead of the more formal "nós" and is a common way to request seating for a small group in a restaurant or café.
When to use
Use this sentence when you arrive at a restaurant, café, or bar with a group of four and want the host to find a suitable table. It works in both casual and semi‑formal settings, especially in Brazil.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Agenteprecisadeumamesaparaquatro
A gente
Colloquial equivalent of "nós" (we); always takes third‑person singular verb forms.
precisa
Third‑person singular present of "precisar" (to need); the verb is followed by the preposition "de".
de + noun
The preposition "de" introduces the object that is needed; here it links "precisa" with "uma mesa".
uma mesa
Indefinite article "uma" signals any table, not a specific one.
para + number
"para" indicates purpose or capacity; "para quatro" means "for four (people)".
quatro
Cardinal number; can be expanded to "quatro pessoas" for extra clarity.
🗨In Conversation
A gente precisa de uma mesa para quatro, por favor.
We need a table for four, please.
Claro, tem uma mesa disponível logo ali.
Sure, there’s a table available right over there.
✕Common Mistakes
A gente preciso de uma mesa para quatro.
"Preciso" is first‑person singular; with "a gente" you must use third‑person singular "precisa".
A gente precisa uma mesa para quatro.
The verb "precisar" requires the preposition "de" before the object.
A gente precisa de uma mesa para quatro pessoas.
While not wrong, saying just "para quatro" is more natural in quick requests; adding "pessoas" can sound overly formal.
↔Alternatives
Precisamos de uma mesa para quatro.
We need a table for four.
Tem uma mesa para quatro pessoas?
Do you have a table for four people?
Queremos uma mesa para quatro.
We’d like a table for four.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "a gente" is the go‑to pronoun for "we" in everyday conversation, even when the speaker is slightly older. In formal writing you’d use "nós" and the verb would still stay singular ("nós precisamos"). When ordering, adding "por favor" and a smile makes the request sound polite. If you want to be crystal‑clear, say "para quatro pessoas" – some establishments count children separately.