Today’s Case
At a Restaurant
2めいで おまちの Oliverさま。
2mei de omachi no Oliver-sama.
どうぞ～。
Douzo.
(This way, please.)
えっ、なんて いった？
E, nante itta?
(Huh? What did she say?)
Oliver is waiting for a table at a restaurant.
What does “2めいで おまちの Oliverさま (2mei de omachi no Oliver-sama)“ mean? And is it finally Oliver’s turn?
Decoder’s Notes
When you’re waiting for a table at a restaurant in Japan, you’ll often hear a phrase like, “2めいで おまちの Oliverさま (2mei de omachi no Oliver-sama)”.
Since your name is being called, you’ll probably realise they’re talking about you. But do you know exactly what it means?
“2めいで おまちの Oliverさま (2mei de omachi no Oliver-sama)“ means “Party of two for Oliver.”
Literally, it means “Oliver, who is waiting as a party of two.”
So why don’t staff simply say “オリバーさま (Oliver-sama)”?
One possible reason is that there may be more than one customer with the same name. By adding “party of two,” it’s much easier to identify exactly which customer is being called.
If your name is called, it’s your turn!
Just answer “はい (hai): Yes” and follow the staff member to your table.
The Clue
If you’ve been given a waiting number instead of checking in with your name, you may hear phrases like:
10番で おまちの Oliverさま。
10 ban de omachi no Oliver-sama.
(Number 10, Oliver.)
10番で おまちの かた
10 ban de omachi no kata.
(Number 10, please.)
Once you understand the pattern “2めいで おまちの Oliverさま (2mei de omachi no Oliver-sama),” you’ll also be able to understand similar expressions, such as:
- “3めいで おまちの Oliverさま (3mei de omachi no Oliver-sama)”: Party of three for Oliver.
- “10ばんで おまちの Oliverさま (10ban de omachi no Oliver-sama)”: Number 10, Oliver.
Today’s Field Mission
Now that you know what “2めいで おまちの 〇〇さま (2mei de omachi no 〇〇-sama)” means, you won’t have to worry when your name is called at a restaurant in Japan.
The next time you’re at a restaurant, try listening for phrases like:
“□□めいで おまちの 〇〇さま (□□-mei de omachi no 〇〇-sama.)”
Also pay attention to the different ways staff call customers. And if your name is called, answer “はい (hai): yes” and see how smoothly everything goes.
Case Solved
See you in the next case!
