Significado
Politely requesting the check in a restaurant.
Contexto cultural
The bill is never brought automatically. You must ask for it. This is because the table is yours for as long as you want it. In Quebec, 'la facture' is actually used more commonly than in France for restaurant bills, though 'l'addition' is still understood. Service is included (service compris). Tipping is a gesture of satisfaction, not an obligation. Most restaurants will bring a portable card terminal (le TPE) to your table so you can pay by card without leaving your seat.
The Hand Gesture
If the waiter is far away, make a 'writing in the air' motion with your hand while saying the phrase.
Don't Rush
Wait at least 10 minutes after finishing your coffee before asking for the bill to enjoy the 'art de vivre'.
Significado
Politely requesting the check in a restaurant.
The Hand Gesture
If the waiter is far away, make a 'writing in the air' motion with your hand while saying the phrase.
Don't Rush
Wait at least 10 minutes after finishing your coffee before asking for the bill to enjoy the 'art de vivre'.
Check the Total
Always glance at the addition to ensure no extra items were added by mistake, though it's rare.
Ponte a prueba
Which is the most polite way to ask for the bill in a French restaurant?
Vous êtes au restaurant. Que dites-vous ?
'L'addition' is the correct term, and 's'il vous plaît' adds the necessary politeness.
Complete the sentence with the correct article and noun.
S'il vous plaît, _______.
The noun is feminine and starts with a vowel, so 'la' becomes 'l''.
Complete the dialogue between the client and the waiter.
Client: Monsieur, s'il vous plaît ! Serveur: Oui ? Client: ________________.
This is the logical next step when you have finished your meal and called the waiter.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
1. On peut payer ? 2. Serait-il possible d'avoir l'addition ?
'On peut payer' is casual; 'Serait-il possible' is highly formal.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Restaurant Vocabulary
Paying
- • L'addition
- • La carte
- • Le pourboire
- • Régler
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosVous êtes au restaurant. Que dites-vous ?
'L'addition' is the correct term, and 's'il vous plaît' adds the necessary politeness.
S'il vous plaît, _______.
The noun is feminine and starts with a vowel, so 'la' becomes 'l''.
Client: Monsieur, s'il vous plaît ! Serveur: Oui ? Client: ________________.
This is the logical next step when you have finished your meal and called the waiter.
1. On peut payer ? 2. Serait-il possible d'avoir l'addition ?
'On peut payer' is casual; 'Serait-il possible' is highly formal.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's understood but sounds very foreign. Stick to 'l'addition'.
Yes, 'service compris' means the service charge is already in the price.
Say 'On peut diviser l'addition ?' or 'On peut payer séparément ?'
Say 'Je voudrais régler à la caisse, s'il vous plaît.'
It is feminine: une addition.
Yes, if you have the waiter's attention and they see you've finished, they will know you want the bill.
Because it's considered rude to pressure guests to leave.
A more formal synonym for 'l'addition' used in fancy places.
Yes, most places accept 'la carte bancaire'. Ask 'Est-ce que vous acceptez la carte ?'
No, stay seated; the waiter will bring the bill and the card machine to you.
Frases relacionadas
La note
synonymThe bill (slightly more formal)
Régler
similarTo settle/pay
Le pourboire
builds onThe tip
Service compris
relatedService included
C'est ma tournée
relatedIt's my round
