Significado
Used to ask for the price of something.
Contexto cultural
In France, prices are almost always fixed in shops. However, at 'vide-greniers' (attic sales) or 'marchés aux puces', you can use 'C'est combien ?' as a starting point to negotiate. In many Francophone African countries, 'le marchandage' (bargaining) is a social ritual. Asking 'C'est combien ?' is just the beginning of a friendly conversation. Quebecers might use 'Ça fait combien ?' more frequently in supermarkets. They also use 'piasses' as slang for dollars. In Switzerland, where life is expensive, you might hear 'C'est combien ?' followed by a small gasp! Politeness is extremely important here.
The 'S'il vous plaît' Rule
Always add 's'il vous plaît' at the end to sound like a polite local.
Don't forget the 'C'est'
Saying just 'Combien ?' can sound a bit abrupt or rude in some contexts.
Significado
Used to ask for the price of something.
The 'S'il vous plaît' Rule
Always add 's'il vous plaît' at the end to sound like a polite local.
Don't forget the 'C'est'
Saying just 'Combien ?' can sound a bit abrupt or rude in some contexts.
Use your fingers
If you don't understand the number they say back, hold up your fingers or ask them to write it down.
Eye Contact
Make eye contact when asking the price; it shows you are a serious buyer.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to ask for the price of a coffee.
Pardon, le café, ______ ?
'C'est combien' is the standard way to ask for a price. 'C'est quand' asks for the time.
Complete the sentence with the missing word.
C'est ______ pour deux personnes ?
'Combien' is the word used for quantity and price.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Vendeur: Voici vos pommes. Client: Merci. ______ ?
The client needs to know the price to pay the seller.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are at a restaurant and want the bill.
Asking 'C'est combien' indicates you are ready to pay.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Where to use 'C'est combien ?'
Shopping
- • Boulangerie
- • Marché
- • Boutique
Services
- • Taxi
- • Coiffeur
- • Hôtel
Price Question Variations
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosPardon, le café, ______ ?
'C'est combien' is the standard way to ask for a price. 'C'est quand' asks for the time.
C'est ______ pour deux personnes ?
'Combien' is the word used for quantity and price.
Vendeur: Voici vos pommes. Client: Merci. ______ ?
The client needs to know the price to pay the seller.
You are at a restaurant and want the bill.
Asking 'C'est combien' indicates you are ready to pay.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is perfectly neutral. Just remember to say 'Bonjour' first!
No, it is only for objects or services. To ask about a person, use 'C'est qui ?'.
'C'est combien ?' is more common in spoken French, while 'Combien ça coûte ?' is slightly more formal.
You can still say 'C'est combien ?' or use 'Ça fait combien ?' for the total.
No, 'combien' is an adverb and never changes its form.
Yes, but 'Quel est le prix de...' is better for formal business emails.
Say 'Pardon ?' or 'Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?'.
Yes, it is universally understood from France to Canada to Africa.
This is a common variation, especially when talking about items sold by weight or in bulk.
No, for time use 'Combien de temps ?' or 'Quelle heure ?'.
Frases relacionadas
Combien ça coûte ?
synonymHow much does it cost?
Ça fait combien ?
similarHow much does that make?
Quel est le prix ?
formalWhat is the price?
C'est cher
contrastIt is expensive
C'est bon marché
contrastIt is cheap/a good deal
