vous avez choisi ?
In French, "are you ready to order?" is expressed as vous avez choisi ?
This phrase is used by a server to ask customers if they have decided what they would like to eat or drink.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vous avez choisi ? literally translates to "have you chosen?"
Which one should you use?
While English uses the adjective "ready", French uses the past participle of the verb choisir (to choose) to express this concept in a restaurant context.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal settings, the question can be formed using inversion, such as avez-vous choisi ?
When do people say it?
When a server asks if you are ready, a common way for a group of customers to respond is On est prêt (We are ready) or Nous avons choisi (We have chosen).
Did you know?
- The word vous is a cognate of the Russian word вы (vy) and the Italian voi, as both share a common ancient root.
- In traditional French dining etiquette, it is considered impolite to signal a server by snapping your fingers or calling them loudly while they are asking vous avez choisi ?
- In some regional French languages like Picard, the 'v' sound in vous is dropped entirely, resulting in the word os.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, êtes-vous prêt(e) à commander ?Bonjour, are you ready to order?
- Oui, nous avons choisi : une soupe et un steak.Yes, we have chosen: a soup and a steak.
Example conversation
A waiter approaches a table in a cafe.
- GabrielBonjour, vous avez choisi ?Hello, are you ready to order?
- ManonPas encore, un petit moment s'il vous plaît.Not yet, a moment please.
- GabrielBien sûr, je repasse plus tard.Of course, I will come back later.
- ManonMerci beaucoup, monsieur.Thank you very much, sir.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
