How to Say ‘We'll hold the table for fifteen minutes.’ in Simplified Chinese
座位给您保留十五分钟。
zuò wèi gěi nín bǎo liú shí wǔ fēn zhōng
[zuòwèi gěi neen bǎoliú shíwǔ fēnzhōng]
🇨🇳 In China: A 15-minute hold is a common rule at busy Chinese restaurants. If you're late, call ahead, or the table may go to people waiting at the door.
Phrase Breakdown
座位给您
zuò wèi gěi nín
the seat, for you
座位 (zuòwèi) means 'seat'. 给您 (gěi nín) means 'for you' and is polite. In 给 the 3rd tone changes slightly before 您.
座位给您准备好了。
Your seat is ready for you.
Words in this phrase
座位
zuò wèi
[zuòwèi]
seat
Noun for a place to sit, such as in a restaurant or theater.
今晚座位都满了。
All seats are full tonight.
给
gěi
[gěi]
for
Preposition indicating the person who benefits from an action.
我给你倒水。
I'll pour water for you.
您
nín
[neen]
you (polite)
A respectful form of “you,” used when speaking politely to someone, such as a recruiter or company representative.
很高兴认识您，希望向您多学习。
It’s a pleasure to meet you; I hope to learn more from you.
保留十五分钟。
bǎo liú shí wǔ fēn zhōng
will be held for fifteen minutes
保留 (bǎoliú) means 'to keep or reserve'. 十五分钟 (shíwǔ fēnzhōng) means 'fifteen minutes'. Say 十 with a clear 'sh' sound.
房间可以保留十五分钟。
The room can be held for fifteen minutes.
Words in this phrase
保留
bǎo liú
[bǎoliú]
to hold; to keep
To keep something reserved for a period.
房间保留到明天。
The room is held until tomorrow.
十五
shí wǔ
[shíwǔ]
fifteen
The number 15.
我等了十五分钟。
I waited fifteen minutes.
分钟
fēn zhōng
[fēnzhōng]
minute
A unit of time, 60 seconds.
等我五分钟。
Wait for me five minutes.
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