What happens in the video
Hana says she doesn't want dessert, just one bite of Theo's cake, or maybe six. Theo is surprised to lose six bites of his only cake, but then he says "Let's share it" and hands Hana a spoon. When Hana asks if he's really sharing his only cake, Theo explains that it isn't his only cake. It's his third.
1 Be sure to save room for dessert.
Tone Friendly advice
Use this line during or before a meal to tell someone not to eat too much, because dessert is coming. Here, room means space in your stomach. Don't use it after the meal is over.
Be sure to save room for dessert.
For example:
A: This pasta is great. I could eat two plates.
B: Be sure to save room for dessert. I made a chocolate cake.
A: Okay, just one plate, then.
2 Just one bite.
Tone Playful and hopeful
Use this line to ask for a small taste of someone else's food, usually with a friend or partner. It sounds playful, so it's better not to use it with a new coworker or someone you don't know well.
Come on. Just one bite.
For example:
A: Your cheesecake looks amazing.
B: It is. And it's mine.
A: Come on. Just one bite.
3 Let's share it then.
Tone Warm and fair
Use this line to offer half of one dessert, often after someone says they want a taste or can't decide. The word then means you're answering what the other person just said, so it doesn't work well as a first sentence.
Well, let's share it then.
For example:
A: I want the apple pie, but I'm really full.
B: Let's share it then. I'm full too.
4 Can I have a bite?
Tone Polite and direct
This is a simple, neutral way to ask for a taste. It works with friends and family. With people you know less well, "Could I try a little?" sounds softer.
For example:
A: This ice cream is really good.
B: Can I have a bite?
A: Sure, here you go.
5 Want a bite?
Tone Friendly and generous
Use this short question to offer someone a taste of your dessert. It's casual, so it fits friends and family better than a formal dinner.
For example:
A: Want a bite?
B: Yes, please. Just a small one.
6 Could we see the dessert menu?
Tone Polite, restaurant-ready
Use this line with a server when you finish your main course and want to look at desserts. It's polite enough for any restaurant.
For example:
A: Can I take your plates?
B: Yes, thanks. Could we see the dessert menu?
A: Of course. I'll bring it right over.
7 Do you want to split something?
Tone Casual and practical
Use this question before you order to suggest buying one dessert for two people. Split means the same as share here. It sounds natural with friends, partners, and coworkers.
For example:
A: Everything on this menu looks so sweet.
B: Do you want to split something?
A: Good idea. How about the brownie?
8 Can we get two spoons, please?
Tone Polite request
Use this line with a server after you decide to share one dessert. Change spoons to forks when the dessert needs a fork.
For example:
A: One chocolate cake for the table?
B: Yes. Can we get two spoons, please?
9 I'm too full for dessert.
Tone Honest and polite
Use this line to say no to dessert without sounding rude. You can add "but thank you" when someone offers to make or buy it for you.
For example:
A: Would you like some pie?
B: I'm too full for dessert, but thank you.
A: No problem. Maybe later.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
Be sure to save place for dessert.Better Be sure to save room for dessert.
The fixed phrase is save room. Room here means space in your stomach. Place doesn't work in this expression.
-
Not quite
Just one bit.Better Just one bite.
A bite is the amount of food you take into your mouth at one time. Bit means a small piece of something, and "just one bit" sounds wrong when you ask for a taste.
-
Not quite
Let's divide it then.Better Let's share it then.
Divide sounds formal or mathematical for food. With a dessert, people usually say share or split.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Your friend is eating a lot of bread before dinner, and you made a cake. What do you say?
- Let's share it then.
- Be sure to save room for dessert.
- I'm too full for dessert.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Be sure to save room for dessert. This line tells someone to leave space in their stomach for the dessert that's coming.
-
In "save room for dessert," what does room mean?
- A part of a house
- Space in your stomach
- Time after dinner
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: Space in your stomach In this phrase, room means space for more food.
-
What is the tone of "Just one bite"?
- Playful and hopeful
- Angry and demanding
- Formal and distant
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: Playful and hopeful The speaker is asking for a small taste in a light, friendly way.
-
Your friend says, "I want dessert, but I'm full." Which reply offers half of one dessert?
- Want a bite?
- Could we see the dessert menu?
- Let's share it then.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: Let's share it then. This line answers what the friend said and offers to share one dessert.
-
You want to tell your host that you can't eat dessert. Which line is polite?
- I'm too full for dessert, but thank you.
- Just one bite.
- Can we get two spoons, please?
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: I'm too full for dessert, but thank you. It gives a simple reason and thanks the person for the offer.
Questions learners ask
What does "save room for dessert" mean?
It means don't eat too much now, so you still have space in your stomach for dessert. People often say it as friendly advice during a meal. You may also hear "I'm saving room for dessert" when someone stops eating their main course.
How do I ask for a taste of someone's dessert politely?
"Can I have a bite?" is simple and polite with friends. "Could I try a little?" sounds a bit softer. "Just one bite" is more playful, so use it with people you know well.
What is the difference between share and split?
For food, they mean almost the same thing: two or more people eat one dish. "Let's share it" sounds a little warmer. "Do you want to split something?" is common when you plan an order in a restaurant.
How do I say no to dessert without sounding rude?
Give a short reason and thank the person. For example, say "I'm too full for dessert, but thank you." You can also add "Maybe just a bite" if you'd like a small taste.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Hana and Theo are animated characters made with Google Flow.
