The café is full. There is one empty chair beside someone with a book, a laptop and possibly an entire small office. Can you sit there? Start with one useful question: “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
Here, taken means occupied or saved for someone. Ask, wait for the answer, and keep it simple. You do not need a long speech—or a long conversation afterward.
“No, go ahead.”
The seat is available. You can reply: “Thanks. I’ll sit right here.”
“Yes, sorry.”
Someone is using or saving it. Reply: “No problem. Thanks anyway.”
10 phrases you can use
| Say this | Use it when… |
|---|---|
| Excuse me, is this seat taken? | You want to check whether a seat is available. |
| Would you mind if I sat here? | You are asking to share a table. |
| Is anyone using this chair? | You want to check whether someone is using an empty-looking chair. |
| I can sit somewhere else if you prefer. | You want to make it easy for someone to decline. |
| Thanks. I’ll sit right here. | You are confirming which available seat you mean. |
| Could you move your bag, please? | The seat is available and you are asking the bag’s owner. |
| Sorry, I didn’t realize this seat was reserved. | You discover that the seat is reserved. |
| Do I need to book a seat? | You need staff to explain the seating arrangements. |
| Is this a priority seat? | You need help understanding a seating sign. |
| Thanks for letting me sit here. | You want to thank someone for sharing their table. |
In this situation, “It’s free” means the seat is available. If you want to take the chair to another table, ask separately: “Would it be okay if I moved this chair?”
A short café conversation
Fictional practice dialogue
Customer: “Hi, is this seat taken?”
Other guest: “No, it’s free. My bag’s on the chair.”
Customer: “Would you mind if I sat here?”
Other guest: “Not at all. Let me move my bag.”
Customer: “Thanks! I can move if you need more space.”
Other guest: “You’re fine. It gets busy around lunch.”
Customer: “I appreciate it.”
Listen for the whole answer. In this dialogue, “Not at all” means the other guest does not mind sharing. If a reply is unclear, ask: “So, is it okay if I sit here?”
Problem → Need → Request
Problem: I can see an empty chair, but I do not know whether someone is using it.
Need: I need to check before joining the table.
Request: “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
Before you go
- Look for reservation or priority-seating signs.
- Choose one opening question and practise it aloud.
- If the seat is unavailable, thank the person and try another seat.
- Leave room for other guests, bags and mobility devices.
Your three-round speaking mission
- Ask: Look at an empty chair and say, “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
- Respond: Your partner says, “Yes, sorry.” Give a polite reply and choose another seat.
- Confirm: The seat is free, but a bag is on it. Ask the owner to move the bag and wait.
Try each round twice, then swap roles. Change the reply so your partner has to listen. Leave a short pause after your question and wait for the answer.
Surprise round: You miss a RESERVED sign. Staff point it out. Apologize, ask where you may sit, and move.
A few useful answers
What if someone is saving the seat for a friend?
“No problem. Thanks anyway” keeps the exchange easy. Look for another seat or ask staff where you can sit.
Can I ask this on a bus or train?
Yes. Check your ticket, posted reservations and priority-seating rules too. An empty seat may have a restriction that another passenger cannot change.
Do I have to keep chatting after I sit down?
No. A smile and a thank-you are enough. Sharing a table does not require starting a longer conversation.
