NetChai Chinese

How to Say “I'd like to book a table” in Chinese

我要订位
wǒ yào dìngwèi
I'd like to book a table · trad. 我要訂位
A man speaks on his mobile phone to reserve a table at a busy restaurant, illustrating “I'd like to book a table” in Chinese: 我要订位 (wǒ yào dìngwèi)

我要订位 (wǒ yào dìngwèi) is a common and direct way to say "I'd like to book a table" or "I want to make a reservation," typically used when calling or speaking to staff at a restaurant.

What does 我要订位 (wǒ yào dìngwèi) mean?

我要订位 (wǒ yào dìngwèi) means “I'd like to book a table” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “I want to book a seat.”

When to use it

Neutral and polite. When calling a restaurant, it's common to start with "请问" (qǐngwèn, "excuse me") before stating "我要订位" to be extra courteous.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like "WOH-yao DEENG-way." The tones are third, fourth, fourth, fourth, making it a clear and direct request.

Other ways to say it

  • 预订座位yùdìng zuòwèito reserve a seat (more formal)
  • 订个位子dìng ge wèizibook a spot (more casual)
  • 预约yùyuēto make an appointment/reservation (general)

Examples

请问,我要订位,今晚七点,四位。
qǐngwèn, wǒ yào dìngwèi, jīnwǎn qī diǎn, sì wèi.
Excuse me, I'd like to book a table for four tonight at 7 PM.
我们已经订位了,姓王。
wǒmen yǐjīng dìngwèi le, xìng Wáng.
We already have a reservation under the name Wang.
你最好先订位,周末人很多。
nǐ zuìhǎo xiān dìngwèi, zhōumò rén hěn duō.
You'd better book a table first, it's very crowded on weekends.
Pro tip: After saying "我要订位," be ready to provide details like the date, time, and number of people. For example, "我要订位,今晚七点,两位。"

Related phrases

您打错了 · You have the wrong number邮件发给您了,请查收 · I've sent you the email, please check it请给我筷子 · Chopsticks, please
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