At a restaurant: how to use the verbs poner and traer correctly
When you go to a restaurant in Spain, or in any Spanish-speaking country, you’re not only there to enjoy a good meal, but also to communicate in Spanish. One of the most practical aspects of the language is knowing how to order properly.
In this context, two verbs are absolutely essential: poner and traer. Both are used to ask for things, but in slightly different ways depending on the situation. In this article, you’ll learn how and when to use each one, with real-life examples, common scenarios, and cultural notes that will help you sound more natural when ordering in a Spanish bar or restaurant.
1. The verb poner
The verb poner is used especially when ordering food or drink that you are going to consume. It’s very common both at the bar and at the table, particularly in cafés and bars across Spain.
How is it used?
It is used to place an order in a direct but polite way.
Examples
Waiter:
| What can I get you? | ¿Qué le/les pongo? (formal) |
| What can I get you? | ¿Qué te/os pongo? (informal) |
Customer:
| Could you get me a small beer, please? | ¿Me pone una caña, por favor? (formal) |
| Could you bring us a couple of sandwiches? | ¿Nos pone un par de bocadillos? (formal) |
| Can I have a coffee with milk? | ¿Me pones un café con leche? (informal) |
| Can you get us some tapas to share? | ¿Nos pones unas tapas para compartir? (informal) |
Cultural note:
In Spain, especially in bars, it’s very common for the waiter to say “¿Qué te pongo?” or “¿Qué os pongo?” directly. It’s a quick and familiar way to ask what you’d like. Sometimes there’s no initial greeting, especially if the place is busy.
2. The verb traer
On the other hand, traer is used to request things that the waiter has to bring to your table. This could be food, drink, or objects connected with the meal.
What can you ask for with traer?
Things you consume:
| Bread | Pan |
| A glass of wine | Una copa de vino |
| Fried potatoes with spicy sauce | Unas patatas bravas |
Things you don’t consume:
| The menu | La carta |
| The bill | La cuenta |
| The cutlery | Los cubiertos |
| A napkin | Una servilleta |
| An extra chair | Una silla adicional |
| An extra glass | Un vaso más |
Examples
Waiter:
| Shall I bring you the menu? | ¿Le traigo la carta? (formal) |
| Shall I bring you anything else? | ¿Os traigo algo más? (informal) |
| Shall I bring you some more water? | ¿Te traigo un poco más de agua? (informal) |
Customer:
| Could you bring us the bill, please? | ¿Nos trae la cuenta, por favour? (formal) |
| Could you bring me a clean fork? | ¿Me trae un tenedor limpio? (formal) |
| Can you bring us some more bread? | ¿Nos traes un poco más de pan? (informal) |
| Can you bring me another napkin? | ¿Me traes otra servilleta? (informal) |
Cultural note:
In Spain, waiters will not usually bring the bill unless you ask for it. It’s typical to say: “¿Nos trae la cuenta, por favor?”
3. Main difference between poner and traer
Both verbs imply that the waiter is giving you something, but the nuance is different:
- Poner → used when serving food or drink you will consume (placed in front of you).
- Traer → used when bringing something to the table (whether you consume it or not).
Verb | What do you ask for? | Where is it used most? |
|---|---|---|
Poner | Food or drink you’re going to consume | At the bar or table |
Traer | Objects or food brought to the table | When seated at the table |
4. Formal and informal differences
As in many situations in Spanish, the level of formality depends on your relationship with the waiter and the setting.
- Formal (usted) → when you don’t know the waiter or want to sound more polite.
- Informal (tú) → in relaxed situations or if you know the waiter.
Examples
Formal: Could you serve me a beer, please? → ¿Me pone una cerveza, por favor?
Informal: Can I have a beer? → ¿Me pones una cerveza?
Formal: Could you bring us the menu? → ¿Nos trae la carta?
Informal: Can you bring us the menu? → ¿Nos traes la carta?
5. Useful Spanish phrases for restaurants
Here are some extra Spanish restaurant phrases you’ll find handy:
To order:
| Could you get us something to snack on? | ¿Nos pone algo para picar? |
| Could you bring me some water, please? | ¿Me trae un poco de agua, por favor? |
| Can you get us some croquettes? | ¿Nos pones unas croquetas? |
| Can you bring me a clean fork? | ¿Me puedes traer un tenedor limpio? |
To add something:
| Could you get us another round? | ¿Nos pone otra ronda? |
| Could you bring me some more bread? | ¿Me trae un poco más de pan? |
To finish:
| Could you bring us the bill? | ¿Nos trae la cuenta? |
| Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? |
6. Conclusion
Mastering the use of poner and traer is key to navigating restaurants and bars in Spanish. While they may seem similar, each verb has its own function and context. Using them correctly won’t just help you order better, it will also make you sound more natural and polite in everyday interactions.
Next time you eat out, try using these Spanish phrases for restaurants. You’ll impress the waiter with your Spanish!
