Spanish Phrase
Para cuatro.
Meaning
Literally ‘for four’, this short phrase is used to indicate that something (a reservation, an order, a payment, etc.) is intended for four people. It’s a handy, concise way to answer questions about quantity in everyday conversation.
When to use
Use it when a server asks how many people you’re ordering for, when you’re booking a table, or when you’re splitting a bill among four. It works in both formal and informal settings, especially in restaurants, cafés, and casual gatherings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Paracuatro
Para (preposition)
‘Para’ is used to indicate purpose, destination, or a point in time; here it means ‘for’ when referring to a quantity.
Cuatro (cardinal number)
‘Cuatro’ is the cardinal number ‘four’. It can stand alone or be followed by a noun (e.g., personas).
🗨In Conversation
¿Para cuántas personas?
For how many people?
Para cuatro.
For four.
✕Common Mistakes
Por cuatro.
‘Por’ means ‘by/through’ and does not convey the idea of ‘for a group of’. Use ‘para’ when indicating purpose or quantity.
Para el cuatro.
Adding the article ‘el’ changes the meaning to ‘for the fourth (day/number)’. The correct phrase for a group is simply ‘para cuatro’.
Para cuatró.
The accent on ‘cuatró’ is incorrect; the word is ‘cuatro’ without an accent.
↔Alternatives
Para cuatro personas.
For four people.
Para cuatro comensales.
For four diners.
Para cuatro (personas).
For four (people).
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries it’s customary to state the exact number of guests when making a reservation or ordering food. Saying ‘para cuatro’ signals that you’re thinking ahead about seating and portions, which helps the staff plan efficiently. In some regions, adding ‘personas’ or ‘comensales’ adds politeness, especially in formal restaurants.