Language/Basque/Vocabulary/Eating-Out
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Eating out while traveling can often be a daunting experience, especially when you're in a foreign country and your grasp of the local language is limited. In this lesson, we'll be covering important phrases and vocabulary terms you'll need to know when dining out in Basque-speaking regions. These will help you communicate your needs to waitstaff and order meals that meet your dietary preferences or restrictions.
At the Restaurant
Reservations
When making dinner reservations, you'll want to be sure to have the following essential phrases under your belt:
- Nola erreserbatu ahal dut? – How can I make a reservation?
- Nire izena Nora-ren izpirituentzat da? – Under what name is my reservation?
- Nire erreserbak aldatu nahi ditut. – I'd like to change my reservation.
Ordering
Once you're seated, you'll need to know how to order from the menu. Try the following phrases:
- Zer gomendatzen dituzu? – What do you recommend?
- Kafe bat, mesedez. – A coffee, please.
- Itsasontziratzea mesedez. – The bill, please.
Table Manners
It's important to remember that each culture has its own customs and etiquette when it comes to dining. Here are some basic table manners to remember when eating out at restaurants in Basque-speaking areas:
- Wait until everyone has been served before starting to eat.
- Keep your hands above the table at all times during the meal.
- It's customary to leave a small tip of around 5-10% for good service. However, tipping is not required.
Food Vocabulary
Luckily, with a little knowledge of Basque food vocabulary, you can navigate menus with ease. Try learning the following essential terms:
| Basque | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| janaria | jah-nah-ree-ah | food |
| goxoa | go-hoe-ah | soup |
| entzuna | en-tsoo-nah | appetizer |
| bihotz | bee-hoats | heart |
| kroketak | kro-ket-ak | croquettes |
| oreoak | oh-rreh-oh-ak | prawns |
| txangurro | chahn-goo-rro | spider crab |
| arraina | ar-ry-nah | fish |
| arrosa | ar-roh-sah | rice |
| iparra-salda | ee-par-ra-sahl-dah | northern-style stew |
| txuleta | choo-lay-tah | rib-eye steak |
| gidariak | gee-dah-ryak | vegetables |
| frutak | froo-tak | fruits |
| esne | ehs-neh | milk |
| ardo | ahr-doh | wine |
Common Phrases
Here are some useful phrases to help when order food or communicating with the waitstaff:
- Mesedez menua ekarri. – Please bring the menu.
- Menuari esker, bi taldekideentzako. – Thanks to the menu, for two diners.
- Errezela ezta zuloko egokia. – The steak is not cooked properly
- Asko zaude txipironak gustatzen. – You really like squid.
Closing Thoughts
In this lesson, we went over the essential vocabulary and phrases needed for eating out in Basque-speaking areas. Whether you're traveling for business or for pleasure, these basic terms and phrases will make your dining experience a more enjoyable one. Take the time to practice with friends or on your own, and soon enough, you'll be conversing with the locals in no time!
Other Lessons
- Basic phrases in Basque
- Fruits
- Greetings
- Education
- At the Post Office
- Family
- Weather
- 4 seasons
- Essencial Phrases in Basque
Sources
| ◀️ Common Foods — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Common Prepositions ▶️ |