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PhrasesAt the RestaurantPossiamo unire i tavoli? Siamo in dieci.
B1

Possiamo unire i tavoli? Siamo in dieci.

Can we join the tables? There are ten of us.

Pronunciation

u-NI-re — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

When arriving with a large group and there are no tables big enough — you need to combine two or more tables.

What it means

'Unire i tavoli' means 'to join the tables'. 'Siamo in dieci' (we are ten) gives the number of people. For large groups, always call ahead — many small restaurants cannot physically accommodate more than 6–8 people.

Variations

Possiamo avere un tavolo grande?

Can we have a large table?

More direct alternative

Abbiamo una tavolata di dodici.

We have a party of twelve.

'Tavolata' is the Italian word for a large table gathering — very cultural

È possibile metterci tutti insieme?

Is it possible to seat us all together?

Flexible phrasing — lets the restaurant suggest the solution

Mini Dialogue

— Buonasera! Possiamo unire i tavoli? Siamo in dieci. — Siete in dieci? Non avevo la prenotazione per un gruppo... — Mi dispiace, avrei dovuto chiamare. È possibile sistemarci? — Vedremo — dammi cinque minuti, sposto qualcosa.

— Good evening! Can we join the tables? There are ten of us. — There are ten of you? I didn't have a reservation for a group... — I'm sorry, I should have called. Is it possible to seat us? — We'll see — give me five minutes, I'll rearrange something.

Cultural Note

The Italian concept of 'tavolata' — a large communal table gathering, usually for celebrations — is central to Italian social life. Baptisms, birthdays, and Sunday family lunches regularly involve tables of 15–20 people at local restaurants.