- and a list of useful verbs as well
1️⃣ restaurant areas & staff
| word | definition | translation |
|---|---|---|
| restaurant | place where people eat | |
| dining room | area where guests eat | |
| terrace | outdoor eating area | |
| lobby | entrance area of a hotel | |
| buffet | table with many dishes to choose from | |
| bar | place where drinks are made | |
| reception | front area for welcoming guests | |
| restroom | toilet for guests | |
| kitchen | place where food is cooked | |
| manager | person who leads the restaurant | |
| assistant manager | helps the manager | |
| chef | main cook | |
| sous-chef | helper cook | |
| pastry chef | cook for desserts | |
| waiter | person who serves food | |
| waitress | female waiter | |
| host | person who welcomes guests | |
| hostess | female host | |
| sommelier | wine expert | |
| bartender | person making drinks | |
| busser | clears tables | |
| runner | brings food from kitchen | |
| head waiter | chief waiter | |
| service staff | all staff serving guests | |
| concierge | person giving information | |
| event manager | person planning events | |
| housekeeping | staff cleaning rooms | |
| porter | staff carrying luggage | |
| front desk | place to check in | |
| maître d‘ | head of dining room | |
| reservation desk | desk to make bookings | |
| food runner | brings food to tables | |
| expediter | sends food to tables | |
| barback | helps bartender | |
| inventory manager | checks kitchen items | |
| wait station | area assigned to a waiter | |
| table captain | waiter in charge of tables |
2️⃣ table items & equipment
| word | definition | translation |
| plate | flat dish for food | |
| bowl | deep dish for soup or rice | |
| cup | small container for hot drinks | |
| glass | container for water or wine | |
| mug | big cup for coffee or tea | |
| napkin | small cloth or paper for cleaning mouth | |
| tablecloth | cloth covering the table | |
| tray | flat thing for carrying dishes | |
| cutlery | knife, fork, spoon together | |
| knife | tool to cut food | |
| fork | tool to eat food | |
| spoon | tool to eat or serve food | |
| serving spoon | big spoon for shared food | |
| serving fork | big fork for shared food | |
| bread basket | basket with bread | |
| butter dish | dish for butter | |
| salt shaker | container with salt | |
| pepper mill | container for pepper | |
| condiments | extra sauces and spices | |
| wine glass | glass for wine | |
| water glass | glass for water | |
| champagne flute | glass for champagne | |
| highball glass | tall glass for drinks | |
| martini glass | glass for martini | |
| teapot | container for tea | |
| coffee pot | container for coffee | |
| sugar bowl | container for sugar | |
| creamer | container for milk or cream | |
| carafe | container for water or wine | |
| pitcher | container for water | |
| table number | number of table | |
| centerpiece | decoration for table | |
| candle holder | holder for candle | |
| bread plate | small plate for bread | |
| dessert plate | small plate for dessert | |
| side plate | small plate for side dishes | |
| coaster | small mat for drinks | |
| salt and pepper set | small containers for seasoning | |
| chafing dish | dish to keep food warm | |
| cloche | cover for a dish | |
| ice bucket | container for ice | |
| ice tongs | tool to pick ice | |
| serving trolley | cart to carry food | |
| platter | large plate for sharing food | |
| ladle | big spoon for soup | |
| cocktail shaker | container to mix drinks | |
| straw | small tube to drink liquids | |
| menu cover | folder for menu | |
| place card | card with guest name | |
| napkin ring | ring to hold napkin | |
| soup spoon | large spoon for soup | |
| dessert fork | small fork for dessert | |
| water pitcher | container for water | |
| wine decanter | container to aerate wine | |
| ice napkin fold | decoration for napkin | |
| serving tray | tray for multiple items |
3️⃣ food and drink vocabulary
| word | definition | translation |
| appetizer / starter | small food before main dish | |
| main course | biggest part of meal | |
| dessert | sweet food after main | |
| side dish | extra food with main dish | |
| beverage | a drink | |
| sparkling water | water with gas | |
| still water | water without gas | |
| wine pairing | wine chosen for food | |
| allergy | when food makes sick | |
| gluten-free | food with no gluten | |
| vegetarian | person who does not eat meat | |
| vegan | person who does not eat animal food | |
| seafood | food from sea | |
| fish | animal from water | |
| shrimp | small sea animal | |
| lobster | large sea animal | |
| crab | sea animal with claws | |
| clams | shellfish food | |
| oyster | raw shellfish | |
| scallop | sea food | |
| squid | sea food | |
| octopus | sea food | |
| chicken | bird meat | |
| beef | cow meat | |
| pork | pig meat | |
| lamb | sheep meat | |
| salad | raw vegetables | |
| soup | liquid food | |
| sauce | liquid for flavor | |
| spicy | hot taste | |
| sweet | taste like sugar | |
| salty | food with salt | |
| bitter | strong taste | |
| sour | taste like lemon | |
| crispy | hard outside, soft inside | |
| tender | soft meat | |
| fresh | not old | |
| frozen | very cold food | |
| grilled | cooked on fire | |
| fried | cooked in oil | |
| boiled | cooked in water | |
| baked | cooked in oven | |
| roasted | cooked in oven with oil | |
| steamed | cooked with steam | |
| chef’s special | dish for today only | |
| tasting menu | small portions of many dishes | |
| set menu | fixed menu | |
| a la carte | order dishes individually | |
| organic | food grown naturally | |
| local | food from this area | |
| seasonal | food from current season | |
| gourmet | very good quality food | |
| finger food | food eaten with hands | |
| slow-cooked | cooked for a long time | |
| melted | food turned soft by heat | |
| caramelized | sugar turned brown by heat |
4️⃣ taking orders
| word / phrase | definition | translation |
| order | ask for food or drink | |
| recommend | say what is good | |
| special | dish of the day | |
| portion | amount of food | |
| medium / rare / well-done | how to cook meat | |
| refill | fill again | |
| course | one part of a meal | |
| would you like a drink? | ask guest about drink | |
| would you like an appetizer? | offer first dish | |
| do you want a side dish? | ask about extra food | |
| how would you like your steak? | ask doneness | |
| would you like dessert? | ask about dessert | |
| can i get you anything else? | offer more | |
| please follow me | ask guest to come | |
| are you ready to order? | ask if guest wants to order | |
| may i suggest a dish? | recommend food | |
| could i offer a special? | suggest today’s dish | |
| how many in your party? | ask number of guests | |
| any dietary restrictions? | ask about food limits | |
| could i explain the menu? | offer information | |
| would you like a wine pairing? | offer wine | |
| shall i start with drinks? | ask first drink |
5️⃣ polite phrases for guests
| phrase | definition | translation |
| good evening, welcome to our restaurant | greeting guests | |
| may i take your order? | ask what they want | |
| would you like to start with something to drink? | offer drinks first | |
| how would you like your steak cooked? | ask about doneness | |
| is everything all right with your meal? | check if guest is happy | |
| can i get you anything else? | offer more help | |
| thank you for dining with us | polite goodbye | |
| have a pleasant evening | kind farewell | |
| please enjoy your meal | polite phrase | |
| thank you for waiting | polite phrase | |
| we hope to see you again | polite farewell | |
| could i help you with something? | offer assistance | |
| please follow me to your table | guide guest | |
| we are happy to serve you | polite phrase | |
| please let me know if you need anything | offer help |
6️⃣ problems and solutions
| word | definition | translation |
| complain | say something is bad | |
| apologize | say sorry | |
| replace | give a new one | |
| delay | to be late | |
| spill | drop liquid by accident | |
| mistake | something wrong | |
| problem | something difficult | |
| issue | something to fix | |
| solution | how to fix problem | |
| wrong order | order not correct | |
| broken glass | glass is damaged | |
| food cold | meal is not warm | |
| allergy reaction | guest reacts to food | |
| lost item | guest lost something |
7️⃣ talking to kitchen or team
| word | definition | translation |
| chef | main cook | |
| sous-chef | chef helper | |
| station | work area for waiter | |
| runner | brings food to table | |
| shift | working time | |
| tray | flat object to carry food | |
| busser | clears tables | |
| head waiter | chief waiter | |
| service staff | all serving staff | |
| line cook | cook in kitchen | |
| pastry chef | dessert cook | |
| expediter | sends food to tables | |
| barback | helps bartender | |
| inventory | list of items in kitchen | |
| prep cook | prepares ingredients | |
| dishwasher | washes dishes | |
| server assistant | helps waiter |
8️⃣ useful adjectives for food and service
| word | definition | translation |
| delicious | very tasty | |
| fresh | new, not old | |
| crispy | hard outside, soft inside | |
| tender | easy to cut and chew | |
| spicy | hot taste | |
| sweet | taste like sugar | |
| salty | with salt | |
| bitter | strong taste | |
| sour | taste like lemon | |
| polite | kind and respectful | |
| busy | with many guests | |
| comfortable | easy to sit | |
| clean | no dirt | |
| friendly | kind to guests | |
| professional | good at job | |
| organized | everything in order | |
| quick | fast service | |
| attentive | watches guest needs | |
| pleasant | nice feeling |
9️⃣ payment and closing
| word | definition | translation |
| cash | money in notes and coins | |
| credit card | plastic card for paying | |
| split the bill | each person pays part | |
| receipt | paper showing payment | |
| service charge | money for staff added to bill | |
| tip | extra money for good service | |
| here is your bill | present the bill | |
| would you like to pay by cash or card? | ask payment method | |
| thank you very much | polite thanks | |
| have a nice evening | polite goodbye | |
| we hope to see you again | polite farewell | |
| payment completed | guest paid | |
| change | money returned after payment | |
| round up | increase total to next whole number | |
| pay online | pay with internet | |
| pay now / later | choose payment time |
###############
###############
A list of useful verbs:
🧑💼 Customer Service & Communication
greet – to say hello to someone
welcome – to receive someone politely
smile – to make a happy face
speak – to talk with someone
talk – to have a conversation
listen – to pay attention to what someone says
ask – to say something to get an answer
answer – to reply to a question
explain – to make something clear
repeat – to say again
describe – to tell what something is like
thank – to say you are grateful
apologize – to say sorry
promise – to say you will do something
suggest – to give an idea
advise – to give an opinion or recommendation
inform – to tell information
recommend – to say something is good
confirm – to say something is correct
discuss – to talk about something
🍽️ Serving, Food & Restaurant Work
serve – to bring food or drinks to guests
carry – to take things in your hands
bring – to take something to someone
clear – to take things away from a table
clean – to remove dirt or mess
prepare – to make ready before serving
set – to arrange things on a table
place – to put something in a position
fill – to make something full
pour – to make liquid flow into a glass
open – to make not closed
close – to shut something
cut – to divide with a knife
mix – to combine ingredients
taste – to try food by eating a little
check – to make sure everything is fine
remove – to take something away
deliver – to bring something to someone
bring – to deliver food to a guest
serve – to give food or drinks
🧹 Cleaning & Setup
wash – to use water and soap
wipe – to make something dry or clean
dry – to remove water
sweep – to clean the floor
mop – to wash the floor
polish – to make something shine
arrange – to put things in order
tidy – to make a place neat
fold – to bend cloth neatly
refill – to add more items
replace – to put a new one instead
collect – to take things together
store – to keep something safely
decorate – to make something look nice
cover – to put a cloth or lid on something
move – to change position
prepare – to get ready for guests
check – to look if it is ready
set – to arrange for service
organize – to put everything in order
🕰️ Work & Daily Routine
start – to begin something
finish – to end something
come – to arrive somewhere
go – to leave or move away
work – to do your job
help – to give support
learn – to get new knowledge
train – to practice a skill
check – to look carefully
follow – to do what someone says
wait – to stay until something happens
stand – to be on your feet
sit – to be on a chair
move – to change place
use – to do something with an object
wear – to have clothes on
hold – to keep in your hands
look – to direct your eyes
think – to use your mind
try – to make an effort
🏨 Hotel & Teamwork
meet – to see or talk to people
join – to become part of a group
support – to help or back up someone
manage – to organize or direct people
organize – to plan and arrange
report – to give information to a manager
communicate – to share information
plan – to decide what to do
prepare – to get ready
follow – to do what is asked
respect – to show care for others
understand – to know what someone means
share – to give part of something
listen – to pay attention
thank – to show appreciation
smile – to be friendly
help – to support someone
assist – to work together
greet – to welcome someone
explain – to make clear something
💰 Taking Orders & Payment
order – to ask for food or drink
write – to put words on paper
note – to write down something important
check – to look at carefully
bring – to take food to the table
confirm – to say the order is correct
serve – to give food or drinks
repeat – to say again to be sure
charge – to ask for payment
pay – to give money for something
count – to say numbers one by one
receive – to get money or items
return – to give change or something back
prepare – to get ready
call – to phone or contact someone
sign – to write your name
check – to look at the bill
finish – to complete the payment
thank – to say thank you for visiting
invite – to welcome them again
🔄 Everyday Actions
accept – to say yes to something
add – to put something more
agree – to have the same opinion
allow – to let someone do something
believe – to think something is true
bring – to take or deliver something
buy – to get something with money
choose – to decide what you want
close – to make not open
come – to move toward someone
continue – to keep doing something
decide – to make a choice
do – to perform an action
draw – to make a picture
drink – to take liquid into your mouth
eat – to put food in your mouth
enjoy – to like something
find – to discover something
forget – to not remember
get – to receive something
🔧 Actions & Tools
fix – to repair something
hold – to keep in your hand
keep – to continue having something
let – to allow something
look – to use your eyes
make – to create or produce something
move – to change place or position
open – to make not closed
pick – to choose or take something
place – to put somewhere
put – to move something to a place
read – to look at and understand words
remove – to take away something
replace – to put something new instead of old
run – to move fast with your legs
say – to speak words
see – to use your eyes
sell – to give something for money
send – to make something go to another place
show – to let someone see something
🏃♂️ Movement & Travel
arrive – to get to a place
depart – to leave a place
drive – to control a car or vehicle
fly – to travel by plane
go – to move from one place to another
leave – to go away from somewhere
return – to come back
run – to move fast
walk – to move on your feet
follow – to go after someone
turn – to change direction
move – to change place
pass – to go by something
stay – to not move away
stop – to finish or end
travel – to go from one place to another
reach – to arrive at a place
explore – to see or visit a place
climb – to go up something
💡 Thinking & Feeling
think – to use your mind
know – to understand something
learn – to get knowledge
remember – to keep in your mind
understand – to know the meaning
believe – to think something is true
consider – to think about carefully
decide – to make a choice
expect – to think something will happen
imagine – to think of something not real
notice – to see or hear something
prefer – to like one thing more than another
realize – to understand something suddenly
recognize – to know someone or something
worry – to feel anxious
hope – to want something to happen
like – to enjoy something
love – to like something very much
hate – to not like something
enjoy – to like doing something
####################
And a couple of useful verbs: