How to Say ‘Two people’ in Japanese
2名です
2 mei desu
[ni mei desu]
💬 Usage Tip: [名] is a polite counter for people in reservations and restaurants. [2名です] literally means “It is two guests,” and sounds more natural than just saying [2人].
🇯🇵 In Japan: At restaurants in Japan, staff often ask [何名様ですか] (“How many people?”). Answering with [2名です] is short, polite, and very standard.
Phrase Breakdown
2
2
[ni]
two
The number two. In reservations, it indicates the number of people.
予約は2名です。
The reservation is for two people.
名
mei
[mei]
counter for people
名 is a polite counter used for counting people, often in restaurants and hotels.
お客様は2名です。
There are two guests.
です
desu
[desu]
is / am / are
A polite copula used to state information formally.
予約は2名です。
The reservation is for two people.
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