Finding a Seat in a Crowded Cafe

Beginner

Navigate a common social situation. Learn how to politely ask someone if a chair or a seat at their table is taken.

Start with lesson 1
5 lessons
  1. Spotting a Potentially Empty TableYou walk into the cafe and immediately scan the room for available seating. You spot a small table in the corner where no one is currently sitting, but there's a jacket draped over a chair.
  2. Asking if a Chair is TakenYou 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.
  3. Sharing a Large TableYou find a large communal table with a few people already seated, and several empty spots. You want to ask if it's okay to sit down at one of the open spaces.
  4. Waiting for a Table to ClearYou see a group of people at a table who look like they are about to leave. You decide to wait nearby and politely indicate your intention to use the table next.
  5. Being Offered a SeatSomeone at a partially occupied table notices you looking for a seat and kindly offers you the empty chair at their table.