What does it mean word for word?
The term l'addition literally means "the addition" or "the sum", referring to the total sum of the meal.
Which one should you use?
To request the bill, you can use the direct phrase l'addition, s'il vous plaît or the more formal full sentence Puis-je avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît? In contrast, the informal version L'addition, s'il te plaît or the question Tu peux m'apporter l'addition? can be used in casual settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, it is common to use La facture, s'il vous plaît. to refer to the check or bill.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase s'il vous plaît is the polite form of "please" and is essential to include when asking for the bill to ensure you do not sound rude.
What mistakes should you avoid?
While la note can sometimes be used for a bill, using l'addition is a much more common and natural way to refer to the bill in a restaurant setting.
When do people say it?
In many French restaurants, a waiter will not bring the bill to your table until you explicitly ask for it, as it is considered polite to allow customers to linger.
Did you know?
- The word vous used in the polite version of the phrase shares a common ancestor with the Italian word 'voi' and the Russian word 'вы'.
- Using s'il te plaît instead of s'il vous plaît when asking for the bill can be seen as an aggressive over-familiarity unless you are at a very casual bistro.
- While l'addition is standard in France, using this word in Quebec might sound overly European, as locals prefer la facture.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, l'addition, s'il vous plaît.Excuse me, the check, please.
- Excusez-moi, puis-je avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît?Excuse me, may I have the check, please?
- Est-ce que je peux avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît ?Can I have the check, please?
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are finishing their coffee at a cafe.
- NathanLe café était très bon.The coffee was very good.
- LéaOui, on y retourne bientôt.Yes, we will come back soon.
- NathanL'addition, s'il vous plaît.The check, please.
- LéaJe m'en occupe, Nathan.I'll take care of it, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
