Asking if a Chair is Taken
You approach a table where one person is sitting, and there's an empty chair right next to them. You need to politely ask if the chair is free.
Te acercas a una mesa donde una persona está sentada, y hay una silla vacía justo al lado de ellos. Necesitas preguntar cortésmente si la silla está libre.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
Excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention or interrupt them gently, often used before asking a question in public places like a cafe.
Una forma educada de llamar la atención de alguien o interrumpirlo suavemente, a menudo usada antes de hacer una pregunta en lugares públicos como un café.
taken
Means occupied or in use by someone; in this context, it asks if a chair is available for sitting.
Significa ocupado o en uso por alguien; en este contexto, pregunta si una silla está disponible para sentarse.
feel free
An expression giving permission to do something without hesitation, like 'go ahead' or 'help yourself'.
Una expresión que da permiso para hacer algo sin dudar, como 'go ahead' o 'help yourself'.
thank you so much
A strong way to express gratitude, more emphatic than just 'thank you', used when someone helps you a lot.
Una forma fuerte de expresar gratitud, más enfática que solo 'gracias', usada cuando alguien te ayuda mucho.
I know, right?
A casual way to agree with someone and seek confirmation, common in informal conversations to show empathy.
Una forma casual de estar de acuerdo con alguien y buscar confirmación, común en conversaciones informelles para mostrar empatía.
certainly
Means 'of course' or 'definitely yes', used to politely agree or give permission.
Significa 'por supuesto' o 'sí definitivamente', usado para aceptar cortésmente o dar permiso.
no worries
A friendly way to say 'don't worry' or 'it's okay', reassuring someone that something is not a problem.
Una forma amistosa de decir 'no te preocupes' o 'está bien', tranquilizando a alguien de que algo no es un problema.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, is this chair taken?
This is a polite question to ask if a seat is available. Use it in crowded places to start a conversation without being rude. The structure uses 'is + this + noun + taken?' for simple inquiries.
Esta es una pregunta educada para preguntar si un asiento está disponible. Úsala en lugares concurridos para iniciar una conversación sin ser grosero. La estructura usa 'is + this + sustantivo + taken?' para consultas simples.
No, it's not. Please, feel free.
A helpful response giving permission. 'Feel free' means 'go ahead'. Useful for offering seats; the contraction 'it's not' shows natural spoken English.
Una respuesta útil que da permiso. 'Feel free' significa 'adelante'. Útil para ofrecer asientos; la contracción 'it's not' muestra inglés hablado natural.
Oh, thank you so much! It's really hard to find a seat in here today.
Expresses thanks and explains a situation. 'It's really hard to...' describes difficulty. Use this to show appreciation and make small talk in social settings.
Expresa gracias y explica una situación. 'Es realmente difícil...' describe dificultad. Úsalo para mostrar aprecio y hacer conversación casual en entornos sociales.
I know, right? It's always like this around lunchtime.
Agrees with the other person casually. 'I know, right?' seeks agreement; 'around lunchtime' means near that time. Great for building rapport in everyday chats.
Está de acuerdo con la otra persona de manera casual. 'I know, right?' busca acuerdo; 'around lunchtime' significa cerca de ese momento. Genial para construir rapport en charlas cotidianas.
Yeah, I guess so. Is it okay if I move these bags a little?
'Yeah, I guess so' is informal agreement meaning 'probably yes'. The question politely asks permission. Use when seeking approval for small actions.
'Yeah, I guess so' es un acuerdo informal que significa 'probablemente sí'. La pregunta pide permiso cortésmente. Úsalo cuando buscas aprobación para acciones pequeñas.
Oh, certainly! Let me help you with that.
Offers help enthusiastically. 'Certainly' means 'yes, of course'. The imperative 'Let me help' suggests assistance. Useful in polite interactions to be friendly.
Ofrece ayuda entusiastamente. 'Certainly' significa 'sí, por supuesto'. El imperativo 'Let me help' sugiere asistencia. Útil en interacciones educadas para ser amigable.
No worries at all! Thanks again.
Reassures and thanks. 'No worries' dismisses any apology; 'thanks again' repeats gratitude. Perfect for ending conversations positively.
Tranquiliza y da las gracias. 'No worries' descarta cualquier disculpa; 'thanks again' repite el agradecimiento. Perfecto para terminar conversaciones de manera positiva.