What does "já vou" mean in Portugal? (It's not right now)

The restaurant is full. You catch the waiter's eye, raise a hand, and hear:

Then they walk the other way.

What it actually means

Word for word, já vou is "I'm going now", and in a restaurant it means "coming!". What it really tells you:

• I've seen you.
• I'll come after these four tables.
• And one more coffee run.

They'll come. Eventually. And nobody is being rude: já vou is a promise that you're on the list.

Patience is part of the meal

Eating out in Portugal isn't rushed, and nobody will rush you either. The same goes for the end of the meal: the bill won't arrive until you ask for it (we've got a post on that).

If you need to catch someone's attention politely:

In short

• Já vou! = "coming right now", in restaurant time.
• It means you've been seen.
• Bring patience. It's part of the meal.

How long did you wait last time? The Café, Menu & Supermarket Decoder has the phrases for ordering, asking and paying.