A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm ready to order" in Spanish
Tell your server you're ready to order food with this common Spanish phrase.
Estoy listo/a para pedir
ehs-TOY LEES-toh/ah pah-RAH peh-DEERneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when the server comes to your table and asks if you're ready, or when you've decided on your meal. It's a polite way to signal you're prepared to give your order.
Alternatives
- Ya puedo pedirSlightly more direct, emphasizes the ability to order now.
- ¿Me toma la orden?More of a question, asking the server to take your order.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'pedir' with 'preguntar'
'Pedir' means 'to ask for' or 'to order', while 'preguntar' means 'to ask a question'.
Forgetting the gender agreement
Use 'listo' if you are male, and 'lista' if you are female.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking countries, it's common for the server to wait until you explicitly signal you're ready, rather than assuming you are after a short time.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between listo and lista?
Listo is used by males, and lista is used by females. Both mean 'ready'.
Can I just say 'Listo'?
Yes, in a very casual context, just saying 'Listo' or 'Lista' can imply you're ready to order, but adding 'para pedir' is clearer.
How do I say 'I want to order'?
You can say 'Quiero pedir', which is a direct way to state your intention to order.
