daap3 toi4搭檯搭台

Jyutpingdaap3 toi4

Yaledaap tòih

Definition

To share a table with strangers at a restaurant.

colloquialfooddim sum

How it's used

This term is essential for navigating busy cha chaan tengs or dim sum restaurants during peak hours. It implies a temporary arrangement where strangers sit at the same table to maximize seating efficiency. It is perfectly polite to ask someone if they mind this, provided you do so before sitting down.

Examples

nei1呢dou6度hou2好do1多jan4人，m4唔gaai3介ji3意daap3搭aa4呀maa3嘛？

It is very crowded here, do you mind sharing a table?

ngo5我m4唔zung1鍾ji3意daap3搭，soeng2想zi6自gei2己co5坐jat1一zoeng1張toi4枱。

I do not like sharing tables, I want to sit at a table by myself.

Common phrases

m4唔gaai3介ji3意daap3搭

do not mind sharing a table

bei6被bik1迫daap3搭

forced to share a table

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply sitting at a large table with friends. It specifically refers to the act of being seated with strangers in a crowded public dining space.