Sending Food Back Politely

Politely letting your server know something is wrong with your dish.

You
Disculpe, este pollo está un poco crudo por dentro.
dees-KOOL-peh, EHS-teh POH-yoh ehs-TAH oon POH-koh KROO-doh pohr DEHN-troh.
Excuse me, this chicken is a bit raw on the inside.
Starting with 'disculpe' (excuse me) keeps the tone polite. Avoid sounding accusatory.
Waiter
¡Ay, lo siento mucho! Se lo cambio de inmediato.
ay, loh SYEHN-toh MOO-choh! seh loh KAHM-byoh deh een-meh-DYAH-toh.
Oh, I'm so sorry! I'll replace it right away.
You
Gracias. No hay problema, estas cosas pasan.
GRAH-syahs. noh ay proh-BLEH-mah, EHS-tahs KOH-sahs PAH-sahn.
Thank you. No problem, these things happen.
Being gracious when something goes wrong goes a long way in Latin American culture. A little kindness earns great service.
Waiter
Aquí tiene el nuevo plato. Otra vez, disculpe la molestia.
ah-KEE TYEH-neh ehl NWEH-boh PLAH-toh. OH-trah behs, dees-KOOL-peh lah moh-LEHS-tyah.
Here is your new dish. Again, sorry for the trouble.
'La molestia' means 'the inconvenience.' This is a very common apology phrase in formal service.