Spanish Phrase
Ya estamos listos para pedir el postre.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "We are already ready to order the dessert." It's used to indicate that a group of people has finished their main course and is prepared to move on to the next part of the meal, specifically ordering something sweet. The "ya" emphasizes that this readiness has been achieved, often after a wait or a previous course.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in a restaurant setting, after finishing your main meal, to signal to a waiter or to your dining companions that you are prepared to look at the dessert menu and place an order. It's a polite and common way to express readiness for the next course.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Yaestamoslistosparapedirel postre
Ya
"Ya" is an adverb that can mean "already," "now," or "yet." In this context, it emphasizes that the action of being ready has already occurred.
Estar (estamos)
"Estar" is used to describe temporary states, conditions, or locations. Here, "estamos listos" means "we are ready," referring to a current state.
Listo/a/os/as
"Listo" is an adjective meaning "ready" or "clever." It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Since the subject is plural ("nosotros"), it becomes "listos."
Para + Infinitive
"Para" is a preposition often used to express purpose or destination. When followed by an infinitive verb (like "pedir"), it means "in order to" or "for the purpose of."
Pedir
"Pedir" means "to ask for" or "to order." It's the correct verb to use when requesting food or drinks in a restaurant.
🗨In Conversation
¡Qué rica estuvo la cena! ¿Están listos para el postre?
Dinner was delicious! Are you ready for dessert?
Sí, ya estamos listos para pedir el postre.
Yes, we are already ready to order dessert.
✕Common Mistakes
Somos listos para pedir el postre.
“Ser” (somos) is for inherent qualities, while “estar” (estamos) is for temporary states or conditions, like being “ready.”
Ya estamos listo para pedir el postre.
“Listo” must agree in gender and number with the subject. Since “nosotros” (we) is plural, it should be “listos.”
Ya estamos listos a pedir el postre.
The correct preposition to use after “listo” when followed by an infinitive is “para,” meaning “in order to” or “for.”
↔Alternatives
¿Podemos ver el menú de postres?
Can we see the dessert menu?
¿Qué postres tienen?
What desserts do you have?
Estamos listos para el postre.
We are ready for dessert.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, meals, especially dinner, tend to be more leisurely affairs than in some other parts of the world. There's often no rush to turn over tables, and lingering after a meal, including enjoying dessert and coffee, is common. Using "ya estamos listos" is a polite way to signal readiness without implying impatience. Waiters might not rush to bring the check immediately after the main course, so this phrase helps guide the pace of your meal.