l'addition s'il vous plaît
The English phrase "can I get the bill" is translated into French as l'addition s'il vous plaît.
This phrase is a polite request used in a restaurant to ask for the total amount of money owed for a meal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard phrase l'addition s'il vous plaît is considered polite and is the standard way to ask for the bill in a restaurant. For a more formal approach, you can use Puis-je avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît?, which translates to "Can I have the bill, please?"
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use la facture when they mean the restaurant check. However, la facture is typically used for business invoices or utility bills rather than for a meal.
When do people say it?
In French restaurants, it is common to catch the waiter's attention with a small hand gesture or a nod before saying l'addition s'il vous plaît.
Did you know?
- Waiters in France will generally not bring l'addition to your table until you explicitly ask for it, even if you have finished your drinks and are lingering.
- In France, it is considered impolite to ask for l'addition before you have finished your meal, as it suggests you are rushing the waiter and the staff.
- The word vous in s'il vous plaît is a cognate of the Italian word voi and the Russian word вы.
Examples in context
- Monsieur, l'addition s'il vous plaît.Sir, the bill please.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- GabrielC'était un excellent repas, Emma.That was an excellent meal, Emma.
- EmmaOui, je suis d'accord avec toi.Yes, I agree with you.
- GabrielGarçon, l'addition s'il vous plaît !Waiter, the bill please!
- EmmaJe vais payer avec ma carte.I will pay with my card.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
