(IS) THIS (SEAT) TAKEN?

(Is) this (seat) taken?: translation

an inquiry made by a person in a theater, auditorium, etc., asking someone already seated whether an adjacent seat is available or already taken. •

Finally, Bill came to a row where there was an empty seat. Bill leaned over to the person sitting beside the empty seat and whispered, “Is this seat taken?”

•

Fred: 'Scuse me. This taken? Alice: No. Help yourself.