waiter

[/ˈweɪtər/]
nounmasculinepl: waiters
garçom
1. A male employee in a restaurant or bar who takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers
The waiter brought us the menu and took our drink order.
O garçom trouxe-nos o cardápio e anotou nosso pedido de bebidas.
2. A person who serves or attends to others
He was a waiter for the bride and groom at their wedding.
Ele foi um assistente para a noiva e noivo em seu casamento.
3. A small table or stand used to hold items temporarily
She placed the tray on the waiter beside the sofa.
Ela colocou a bandeja no suporte ao lado do sofá.
In Brazil, tipping waiters (garçons) is not mandatory but appreciated, typically 10% of the bill. The service charge may already be included. In the USA, tipping 15-20% is standard and expected. The role is considered an entry-level job in both countries but requires strong customer service skills.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
serverattendantstewardhost
Antonyms / Antônimos
customerdinerguest

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
garçom
most common term for male waiter in restaurants
Rio de Janeiro
garçom
standard usage, sometimes shortened to 'garço' in casual speech
São Paulo
garçom
standard usage in formal restaurants and hospitality settings
Portugal
empregado de mesa or criado
more formal or archaic terms; 'empregado de mesa' is modern standard

Related Words

waitressrestaurantserverhospitalitybartendermenutip

Related Idioms & Phrases

wait on someone hand and foot
good service
the waiter's life
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