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PhrasesAt the RestaurantAspettiamo ancora una persona.
A2

Aspettiamo ancora una persona.

We are waiting for one more person.

Pronunciation

a-spet-TIA-mo — four syllables, double 't', stress on third syllable.

When to use it

When someone in your group is late and you want to let the waiter know before they start taking orders.

What it means

'Aspettiamo' is the first person plural of 'aspettare' (to wait). 'Ancora' means 'still/yet/another'. 'Una persona' = one person. This phrase sets the expectation that the group is not complete and prevents the waiter from rushing orders.

Variations

Manca ancora qualcuno.

Someone is still missing.

'Manca' (is missing/lacking) — common spoken alternative

L'ultima persona sta arrivando.

The last person is on their way.

Reassures the waiter that the wait will not be long

Possiamo ordinare le bevande intanto?

Can we order the drinks in the meantime?

Practical — keeps things moving while the last guest arrives

Mini Dialogue

— Volete ordinare? — Aspettiamo ancora una persona — arriva tra dieci minuti. — Nessun problema! Nel frattempo porto l'acqua e il pane. — Grazie mille, gentilissimo.

— Would you like to order? — We are waiting for one more person — they will be here in ten minutes. — No problem! In the meantime I'll bring water and bread. — Thank you very much, very kind.

Cultural Note

Italians have a famously relaxed attitude to punctuality in social settings — 'Italian time' is a real cultural phenomenon. Being 10–15 minutes late to a dinner is not considered rude. The phrase 'aspettiamo ancora qualcuno' is heard in virtually every Italian restaurant every evening.