Spanish Phrase
¿Tienes mesa para dos?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Do you have a table for two?’ This question is asked when you arrive at a restaurant and want to know if a table that can seat two people is available. It’s a quick, polite way to check availability without making a reservation in advance.
When to use
Use this phrase at the entrance of a café, restaurant, or tapas bar, especially during lunch or dinner rushes. It works best in informal contexts (with friends, family, or when the staff uses the tú form). For more formal situations, switch to the usted form.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Tienesmesaparados?
Tener (present)
‘Tienes’ is the second‑person singular (tú) present form of the verb ‘tener’, used to ask if someone has or can provide something.
Mesa (noun)
‘Mesa’ means ‘table’; in this context it refers to a dining table in a restaurant.
Para + number
The preposition ‘para’ followed by a cardinal number indicates the intended capacity – here ‘para dos’ = ‘for two people’.
Informal vs. formal address
Using ‘tienes’ is informal (tú). In a more formal setting you would say ‘¿Tiene mesa para dos?’ using the usted form.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tienes mesa para dos?
Do you have a table for two?
Sí, sígame por favor. Está al fondo a la derecha.
Yes, follow me please. It’s at the back on the right.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Tiene mesa para dos?
Use ‘tiene’ when speaking formally (usted) or to staff you don’t know well.
¿Tienes mesa para dos?
Adding the indefinite article ‘una’ makes the request sound more natural: ‘¿Tienes una mesa para dos?’
¿Tienes mesa por dos?
Don’t translate literally as ‘for two people’; the correct preposition is ‘para’, not ‘por’.
↔Alternatives
¿Hay una mesa para dos?
Is there a table for two?
¿Podría conseguir una mesa para dos?
Could I get a table for two?
¿Tiene mesa para dos?
Do you have a table for two? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries it’s common to be greeted with a friendly “¡Buenas!” before you ask for a table. If the restaurant is busy, staff may ask how long you plan to stay or suggest a bar‑counter seat instead. Remember that tipping is usually modest (5‑10 % of the bill) and that making a reservation (una reserva) is advisable for larger groups or popular venues.