Requesting a Menu in English
A non-native English speaker is in a foreign country and needs to ask if an English menu is available.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
menu
A list of food and drinks available in a restaurant, with their prices. Use it when asking to see what you can order.
excuse me
A polite phrase to get someone's attention, especially in public places like restaurants. It's useful for starting a conversation without being rude.
order
To request food or drinks from a menu in a restaurant. For example, 'Are you ready to order?' means asking if the customer is prepared to choose items.
thank you
A common way to express gratitude. Say it after receiving help, like getting a menu, to show politeness in English-speaking countries.
moment
A short period of time. In 'Just one moment,' it means 'wait a second' and is polite for asking someone to wait briefly.
questions
Things you want to ask about, like details on the menu. Use 'if you have any questions' to offer help in service situations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, do you have a menu?
This is a polite request to see the food list. 'Excuse me' gets attention, and 'do you have' is a yes/no question structure useful for basic inquiries in restaurants.
Are you ready to order?
A common question from waitstaff to check if the customer wants to choose food. 'Ready to' means prepared for an action, and it's a pattern for service dialogues.
Do you happen to have an English menu?
A soft, indirect way to ask for something specific. 'Happen to have' makes the request polite and less demanding, ideal when you're not sure if it's available.
Just one moment, I'll grab that for you.
Means 'wait a short time while I get it.' 'Just one moment' is a polite delay phrase, and 'grab' is casual for 'fetch,' useful in quick service responses.
Here you go. Let me know if you have any questions.
'Here you go' hands over an item politely. 'Let me know' invites questions, showing helpfulness. This sentence pattern builds customer service rapport.
Great, thank you so much!
Expresses strong appreciation. 'Thank you so much' emphasizes gratitude more than basic 'thank you,' and it's useful after receiving what you asked for.