Spanish Phrase
¿Listo para pedir postre?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Ready to order dessert?’ This is a friendly, informal way to check if the person at the table wants to move on to the dessert menu. It can be asked by a server, a friend, or anyone who is coordinating the meal.
When to use
Use this question in a restaurant or at home when the main course is finished and you want to see if the other person is prepared to choose a sweet treat. It works best in casual settings; in a formal restaurant you might add a polite marker like *¿Está listo para pedir el postre?*
✦Grammar Breakdown
Listoparapedirpostre
Listo (adjective)
Used as a masculine singular adjective meaning ‘ready’. It must agree with the subject (e.g., *lista* for a feminine subject).
para + infinitive
The preposition *para* followed by an infinitive expresses purpose or intention: ‘to …’, ‘for …ing’.
pedir (infinitive)
The infinitive form of *pedir* (to ask for / to order). In this construction it functions as the action that the subject is ready to do.
postre (noun)
A masculine singular noun meaning ‘dessert’. No article is needed in this question because the noun is used generically.
🗨In Conversation
¿Listo para pedir postre?
Ready to order dessert?
Sí, me encantaría probar el flan de la casa.
Yes, I’d love to try the house flan.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Lista para pedir postre?
Use *listo* for a masculine subject (or *lista* for a feminine one). The adjective must match the gender of the person you’re addressing.
¿Listo para pedir el postre?
In this generic question the article is optional; adding *el* makes it sound more specific and slightly formal.
¿Listo para que pedir postre?
The correct construction is *para* + infinitive, not *para que* + infinitive, which would change the meaning to ‘so that you order’.
↔Alternatives
¿Estás listo para pedir el postre?
Are you ready to order the dessert?
¿Quieres pedir postre?
Do you want to order dessert?
¿Te apetece algo dulce?
Do you feel like something sweet?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries dessert is often served after a coffee, and it’s common for the server to ask the whole table if they’re ready before bringing the menu. Using *listo* signals a relaxed, friendly tone; if you’re in a more formal setting, add *¿Está listo…?* or use the polite *¿Le apetece…?* to show respect.