WorkBeginner
A business dinner in English (beginner)
Beginner English for a business dinner. Key line: “Should I *wait* before we *eat*?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, is this seat free?
Them
Yes, please. You're next to the host.
Lin
Thanks. Should I wait before we eat?
Them
Yes, wait. He gives one short toast.
Lin
Great. I can smile for one minute.
Them
Make it five. His 'short' means five.
Lin
Then I need water before the toast.
Them
Smart. His short toast is never short.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
free seat
✓ Is this seat free?Ask if the seat is free
Ask this before you sit down
wait
✓ Should I wait before we eat?Ask if you should wait
Use this if you're unsure about table manners
host
✓ You're next to the host.Saying who you sit by
next to = beside
toast
✓ I need water before the toast.Wanting water first
Here, toast = short speech, not bread
Quick answers
free seat: what to say in English
Say “Is this seat free?” — ask if the seat is free. Ask this before you sit down.
wait: what to say in English
Say “Should I wait before we eat?” — ask if you should wait. Use this if you're unsure about table manners.
host: what to say in English
Say “You're next to the host.” — saying who you sit by. next to = beside.
toast: what to say in English
Say “I need water before the toast.” — wanting water first. Here, toast = short speech, not bread.