Spotting a Potentially Empty Table
You 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.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
seat
A place to sit, like a chair at a table. In cafes, we often ask if a seat is available.
taken
Means someone is using it or has reserved it. Use this to ask if a seat or table is occupied.
stepped away
Means someone left their spot for a short time but will return soon. It's polite to explain this in social situations.
spot
A place or location, like a seat or table. Commonly used for finding available spots in busy places.
full
When there are no empty seats or spaces left. Describe crowded areas like 'The cafe is full.'
tip
A helpful piece of advice or information. In this context, it's sharing useful info like where a seat might open.
good luck
A friendly way to wish someone success, often used when they are searching or trying something difficult.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
This is a polite way to ask if a seat is available. Use it in public places like cafes to start a conversation. 'Excuse me' makes it courteous.
Oh, no, it's not. My friend just stepped away for a moment.
This explains that a seat is free but temporarily. It's useful for giving context politely. 'Just... for a moment' shows it's short-term.
I see. Thanks for letting me know.
A natural response to understand information. 'I see' means you understand, and it shows gratitude. Use after someone shares details.
Tell me about it. Every table is full!
'Tell me about it' is an idiom agreeing with a complaint, like 'I know, it's tough.' Useful in casual talks about shared problems. Follow with your own observation.
There might be a small table opening up near the window in a few minutes.
This offers helpful advice about future availability. 'Might be' shows possibility, and 'opening up' means becoming free. Great for being kind in crowded spots.
Oh, that's helpful! Thank you so much for the tip!
Expresses appreciation for advice. 'That's helpful' acknowledges usefulness, and 'thank you so much' adds emphasis. Use to respond positively to suggestions.