Meaning
To remove tableware after a meal.
Cultural Background
The 'sobremesa' is a vital part of Spanish culture. Clearing the table too early can be seen as rushing your guests. It's common to leave the crumbs and coffee cups on the table for an hour while talking. In Mexico, the term 'trastes' is often used instead of 'mesa' when talking about cleaning up. 'Recoger los trastes' is the most common way to refer to this chore. Argentines often use 'levantar la mesa'. It reflects the action of picking up the plates to take them to the kitchen. In many formal Latin American households, it is considered very polite for guests to offer to help clear the table, even if the host refuses.
The 'Yo' Rule
Always remember 'Yo recojo'. If you write 'recogo', it's a very obvious beginner mistake.
Be a Great Guest
In Spain, always offer to help clear the table. Even if they say no, the gesture is highly valued.
Meaning
To remove tableware after a meal.
The 'Yo' Rule
Always remember 'Yo recojo'. If you write 'recogo', it's a very obvious beginner mistake.
Be a Great Guest
In Spain, always offer to help clear the table. Even if they say no, the gesture is highly valued.
Don't say 'Clean'
Avoid 'limpiar' unless you have a sponge in your hand!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'recoger' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ la mesa después de comer.
The 'yo' form of 'recoger' requires a 'j' to maintain the soft sound.
Choose the most appropriate phrase for the situation.
You are at a friend's house for dinner. You want to help with the dishes. What do you say?
'Recoger la mesa' is the correct way to offer help with clearing dishes.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the four main actions associated with a dining table.
Complete the dialogue.
Madre: 'Hijo, ya terminaste de comer.' Hijo: 'Sí, mamá. Ya _______ la mesa.'
The son is responding to the fact that he finished eating, so he should clear the table.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ la mesa después de comer.
The 'yo' form of 'recoger' requires a 'j' to maintain the soft sound.
You are at a friend's house for dinner. You want to help with the dishes. What do you say?
'Recoger la mesa' is the correct way to offer help with clearing dishes.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four main actions associated with a dining table.
Madre: 'Hijo, ya terminaste de comer.' Hijo: 'Sí, mamá. Ya _______ la mesa.'
The son is responding to the fact that he finished eating, so he should clear the table.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, they are interchangeable. 'Quitar la mesa' is more common in Spain, while 'recoger la mesa' is universal.
Because 'recoger' implies gathering things that are out of place, whereas 'limpiar' implies removing dirt or stains.
Yes, you can ask the waiter: '¿Puede recoger la mesa, por favor?'
Related Phrases
Poner la mesa
contrastTo set the table.
Limpiar la mesa
similarTo wipe the table surface.
Lavar los platos
builds onTo wash the dishes.
Servir la mesa
similarTo serve the food.
