French translation of waiter is 
maître d’hôtel

Meaning of "waiter" in English

A waiter is a person who serves food and drinks to patrons in a restaurant or cafe. Typically, a waiter takes customer orders, delivers meals and beverages, and ensures that the dining experience meets the customer’s expectations. They are responsible for customer satisfaction, managing table settings, and sometimes handling payments. This role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. A waiter plays a crucial role in providing a positive dining experience, often enhancing the restaurant's overall reputation.

Meaning of "maître d’hôtel" in French

The term "maître d’hôtel," often shortened to maître d', refers to the head waiter or the person in charge of the dining room in a restaurant. This individual oversees the service staff, coordinates dining arrangements, and ensures that guests receive a high standard of service. In addition, they are responsible for greeting guests, managing reservations, and addressing any customer concerns. The maître d’hôtel is integral to the dining experience, often reflecting the restaurant’s quality and hospitality. This role requires strong leadership skills, impeccable etiquette, and extensive knowledge of food and wine service.

Pronunciation of "waiter" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈweɪ.tər/

Pronunciation Variations: In American English, "waiter" is pronounced with a clear "r" sound at the end, while in British English, it might be pronounced with a softer or almost silent "r."

Pronunciation of "maître d’hôtel" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /mɛtʁə dotɛl/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the regional accent within France, with some areas emphasizing the nasal sounds more than others.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The waiter took our order promptly. (Le maître d’hôtel a pris notre commande rapidement.)
2. She smiled politely as the waiter brought the dessert. (Elle a souri poliment lorsque le maître d’hôtel a apporté le dessert.)
3. The restaurant is known for its friendly waiters. (Le restaurant est connu pour ses maître d’hôtel sympathiques.)
4. Our waiter recommended the house special. (Notre maître d’hôtel a recommandé le plat du jour.)
5. The waiter apologized for the delay in service. (Le maître d’hôtel s'est excusé pour le retard du service.)
6. Each waiter wears a uniform in this establishment. (Chaque maître d’hôtel porte un uniforme dans cet établissement.)
7. We asked the waiter for extra napkins. (Nous avons demandé des serviettes supplémentaires au maître d’hôtel.)
8. The waiter was attentive to our needs. (Le maître d’hôtel était attentif à nos besoins.)
9. Tipping the waiter is customary in many countries. (Il est habituel de laisser un pourboire au maître d’hôtel dans de nombreux pays.)
10. The new waiter was being trained by the senior staff. (Le nouveau maître d’hôtel était formé par le personnel senior.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "waiter" in English

Synonyms: server, attendant, steward, waitress, host, busboy, caterer, dining staff, table servant, barista.

Antonyms: customer, diner, patron, guest.

Similar Words: barman, chef, cook, hostess, concierge, doorman.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "maître d’hôtel" in French

Synonyms: responsable de salle, chef de rang, réceptionniste.

Antonyms: client, invité.

Similar Words: serveur, hôte, gérant.

Disclaimer: These examples may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Translate.com, or its company Translate LLC. We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to our team.