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Spanish Phrase

¿Hay alguna mesa libre?

/aʝ aˈlu.ɣa ˈal.ɣu.na ˈme.sa ˈli.βɾe/
Meaning"Is there any free table?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks whether there is any free or unoccupied table, typically in a restaurant, café, or any place where seating is offered. It is a polite, neutral way to inquire about availability.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you arrive at a dining establishment and need to know if you can be seated without a reservation, or when you’re looking for a spot to work or study in a public space that offers tables.

✦Grammar Breakdown

¿Hayalgunamesalibre?

1

Hay (existential 'haber')

The verb 'hay' is the third‑person singular present of 'haber' used impersonally to indicate existence, similar to 'there is/are' in English.

2

Alguna (indefinite adjective)

Alguna means 'any' or 'some' and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies; here it modifies the feminine singular 'mesa'.

3

Libre (adjective)

Libre means 'free' or 'available' and follows the noun it describes, forming the phrase 'mesa libre' (free table).

4

Question marks

Spanish uses an opening (¿) and closing (?) question mark; both are required.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Hay alguna mesa libre?

Is there any free table?

Sí, hay una mesa junto a la ventana.

Yes, there is a table by the window.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Está alguna mesa libre?

    Use 'hay' (from haber) for existence; 'estar' describes location of a specific object.

  • ¿Hay alguna libre?

    Do not use 'libre' as a noun; it must modify a noun like 'mesa'.

  • ¿Hay algún mesa libre?

    Because 'mesa' is feminine, the correct indefinite adjective is 'alguna', not the masculine 'algún'.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Hay una mesa disponible?

    Is there a table available?

  • ¿Tienen mesas libres?

    Do you have any free tables?

  • ¿Podría conseguir una mesa?

    Could I get a table?

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries it’s common to ask for a table before being seated, even if the place looks empty. Staff may offer you a table that isn’t strictly ‘free’ (e.g., a shared table) or suggest waiting for a specific spot. Using a polite tone and saying "por favor" after the question can make the request sound even more courteous.