Meaning
Request goods or services from a supplier or restaurant.
Cultural Background
In French restaurants, 'passer la commande' is often preceded by a long period of study. It is considered rude to rush a customer. The waiter will wait for the 'menu closed' signal. In Quebec, you might hear 'placer une commande' more frequently due to the influence of English ('place an order'), though 'passer' remains perfectly correct and formal. The 'Bon de Commande' (PO) is a legally binding document in France. Passing the order involves signing this document, which is a significant administrative step. French e-commerce laws (Loi Hamon) require the final button to clearly state that 'passer la commande' involves an obligation to pay.
The Waiter's Cue
If a waiter asks 'Je vous écoute ?', it's your cue to 'passer la commande'.
Gender Matters
Always remember 'la' commande. Saying 'le' commande is a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
Request goods or services from a supplier or restaurant.
The Waiter's Cue
If a waiter asks 'Je vous écoute ?', it's your cue to 'passer la commande'.
Gender Matters
Always remember 'la' commande. Saying 'le' commande is a very common beginner mistake.
Business Writing
In emails, use 'Nous souhaitons passer commande' (no article) to sound more professional.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb to complete the phrase.
Je vais _______ la commande sur ce site web.
'Passer la commande' is the standard collocation for placing an order.
Which sentence is the most natural for a restaurant setting?
You are ready to order. What do you say to the waiter?
This is the most polite and natural way to signal you are ready.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a support agent.
Client: J'ai un problème avec mon panier. Agent: Ne vous inquiétez pas. Une fois le problème résolu, vous pourrez _______.
'Commande' is feminine, so 'la' is required.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. Valider la commande | 2. Prendre la commande | 3. Passer un ordre de bourse
'Valider' is for e-commerce, 'Prendre' is for the waiter, and 'Ordre de bourse' is for finance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe vais _______ la commande sur ce site web.
'Passer la commande' is the standard collocation for placing an order.
You are ready to order. What do you say to the waiter?
This is the most polite and natural way to signal you are ready.
Client: J'ai un problème avec mon panier. Agent: Ne vous inquiétez pas. Une fois le problème résolu, vous pourrez _______.
'Commande' is feminine, so 'la' is required.
1. Valider la commande | 2. Prendre la commande | 3. Passer un ordre de bourse
'Valider' is for e-commerce, 'Prendre' is for the waiter, and 'Ordre de bourse' is for finance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, 'Je commande' is correct and more direct, but 'Je passe la commande' is more common for the specific act of finalizing the process.
Yes, you can 'passer la commande' for a repair service or a cleaning service.
'Une' is for any order; 'la' is for the specific order you are currently discussing or the one in your cart.
Related Phrases
Passer à la caisse
similarTo go to the checkout
Passer un savon
contrastTo scold someone
Faire ses courses
similarTo go grocery shopping
Passer outre
contrastTo ignore/bypass
