Is this seat taken?
Seat availability
Use this to politely claim a seat next to a stranger without being intrusive.
Em 15 segundos
- Ask this to see if an empty chair is available.
- Use it in cafes, buses, or at social events.
- A 'No' answer usually means you CAN sit there.
Significado
You are asking if an empty chair is available for you to sit in. It checks if someone else is already using the seat or planning to return to it.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At a crowded coffee shop
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
On a busy commuter train
Hi, is this seat taken? I have a long ride.
Hi, is this seat taken? I have a long ride.
At a formal business seminar
Pardon me, is this seat taken or may I sit here?
Pardon me, is this seat taken or may I sit here?
Contexto cultural
This phrase reflects the Western cultural value of 'negative politeness,' which focuses on not imposing on others. It became a standard social script as urban public spaces like coffee houses and train travel became common in the 19th century. Today, it serves as a low-stakes way to initiate brief social contact in individualistic societies.
The 'No' Confusion
Remember: If they say 'No,' it's good news! It means 'No, it is not taken.' You can sit down.
The 'Invisible' Barrier
Even if a seat is free, English speakers often leave one empty chair between themselves and a stranger if space allows.
Em 15 segundos
- Ask this to see if an empty chair is available.
- Use it in cafes, buses, or at social events.
- A 'No' answer usually means you CAN sit there.
What It Means
This phrase is the golden key to shared spaces. It is a polite way to ask for permission. You see an empty chair. You want to sit there. But maybe a friend is coming back. Or maybe someone left their bag there. This question clears the air. It shows you respect other people's space. It is simple, clear, and very common.
How To Use It
Walk up to the person sitting next to the empty spot. Make brief eye contact. Point slightly at the chair. Say the phrase with a rising tone at the end. If they say No, it actually means Yes, you can sit here. Wait, that sounds confusing! They mean No, the seat is NOT taken. If they say Yes, it means someone is sitting there. Always listen for the tone of voice. A smile usually means you are welcome to join.
When To Use It
Use this in crowded cafes or busy trains. It works perfectly at a wedding reception or a conference. Use it when you want to join a group at a bar. It is great for making new friends in a hostel. Even in a library, a quiet whisper of this phrase works. It is the ultimate icebreaker for strangers.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a private home. That would be very strange! If you are at a friend's house, just sit down. Don't use it if the chair is clearly broken. Avoid asking if the person looks very busy or angry. If a bag is on the chair, ask Excuse me first. Don't use it if there are fifty other empty tables. You might look a bit too eager for company!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, personal space is a big deal. We don't like to just sit down next to a stranger. It feels like an invasion. Asking this question creates a 'social contract'. It bridges the gap between being strangers and being neighbors. In places like London or New York, it is a survival skill. It is the polite way to navigate a crowded world. It shows you have good manners.
Common Variations
Is anyone sitting here?(Very common and friendly)Mind if I join you?(A bit more social)Is this spot free?(Casual and quick)Can I grab this chair?(Used when taking the chair to another table)Reserved?(Very short, used in loud places)
Notas de uso
This is a 'safe' phrase that works in 95% of social situations. It is neutral-to-polite. The biggest mistake is getting confused by the 'No' response—just remember 'No' means 'Yes, you can sit!'.
The 'No' Confusion
Remember: If they say 'No,' it's good news! It means 'No, it is not taken.' You can sit down.
The 'Invisible' Barrier
Even if a seat is free, English speakers often leave one empty chair between themselves and a stranger if space allows.
Check for Bags
If a bag is on the chair, ask 'May I move this?' instead of just grabbing the seat.
Exemplos
6Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
The most standard way to ask a stranger.
Hi, is this seat taken? I have a long ride.
Hi, is this seat taken? I have a long ride.
Adding a small reason makes it feel more human.
Pardon me, is this seat taken or may I sit here?
Pardon me, is this seat taken or may I sit here?
Adding 'may I' increases the formality.
Hey, is this seat taken or are you saving it for a celebrity?
Hey, is this seat taken or are you saving it for a celebrity?
A playful way to tease a friend who is sitting alone.
Is this seat taken? I just need to rest for a moment.
Is this seat taken? I just need to rest for a moment.
Used when the speaker is tired or stressed.
Is this seat taken? I'm a friend of the bride.
Is this seat taken? I'm a friend of the bride.
Helps start a conversation with table-mates.
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the polite request.
Excuse me, is this ___ taken?
The standard noun used in this expression is 'seat'.
If someone says 'No, go ahead,' what does it mean?
The seat is ___.
'No' means the seat is NOT taken, so you can sit there.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of Asking for a Seat
Used with peers or in relaxed settings.
Is this spot free?
The standard, safe version for all situations.
Is this seat taken?
Used in high-end or professional environments.
Would you mind if I occupied this seat?
Where to use 'Is this seat taken?'
Public Transport
Bus or Train
Dining
Cafes & Food Courts
Education
Classrooms & Libraries
Events
Conferences & Weddings
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is an indirect and polite way to ask for permission to sit down. By asking if it is 'taken,' you are checking if someone else has already claimed it.
Most people will say No, go ahead or No, it's all yours. Sometimes they just shake their head 'no' and smile.
The person will usually say Yes, sorry, I'm saving it for a friend or Yes, someone is sitting there. You should just say No problem! and walk away.
It is better to say Can I join you guys? if you know them. Is this seat taken? sounds a bit formal for close friends.
Yes, Is this spot taken? is very common and slightly more casual. It works well in parks or at bars.
It is acceptable, but you might want to add Excuse me at the beginning. In very formal places, a waiter usually handles the seating for you.
Taken is much more common in daily speech. Occupied sounds a bit like a bathroom sign or a formal report.
In that case, point to the chair and ask Are you using this chair?. This makes it clear you want to move it away.
No, it is actually considered polite. Sitting down without asking is often seen as rude in English-speaking cultures.
You could say This free? while pointing at the chair. It's very short and used in loud or very casual places.
Frases relacionadas
Is anyone sitting here?
A common alternative to check seat availability.
Mind if I sit here?
A slightly more direct way to ask for the seat.
Is this spot free?
A casual version often used for space on a bench or at a bar.
Saving this seat?
Asking if the person is waiting for someone else to arrive.
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