Est-ce que je peux payer par carte ?
In French, "can I pay by card" is expressed as Est-ce que je peux payer par carte ?
This phrase is used to ask a merchant if they accept credit or debit cards as a method of payment. While par carte is the most common shorthand used in shops and restaurants, you can be more specific by saying par carte bancaire (by bank card). Related terms include paiement (payment) and carte de crédit (credit card).
What does it mean word for word?
The component par carte literally translates to "by card" and is the standard way to specify the method of payment.
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to ask this depending on the level of formality. Puis-je payer par carte? is a formal version, while Je peux payer par carte? is an informal version. You may also use Est-ce que je peux régler par carte? to specifically mean "Can I settle the payment by card?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a very formal situation, use Puis-je payer par carte?, which uses inversion of the subject and verb. For informal situations, you can simply use Je peux payer par carte? by using rising intonation instead of the formal Est-ce que structure.
Did you know?
- In France, a merchant might refuse a card payment if the total is below a certain small amount, such as 1 euro or 5 euros.
- The verb payer originally meant to 'pacify' or 'make peace' in Latin. It evolved from the idea of settling a dispute or making someone happy through payment.
- In France, the 'chip and PIN' system is so standard that you will rarely find a card machine that accepts a signature as a backup.
Examples in context
- D'accord, puis-je payer par carte?Alright, can I pay by card?
- Est-ce que je peux payer par carte ou seulement en espèces ?Can I pay by card or only in cash?
Example conversation
Chloé is at a small bakery and wants to buy a croissant.
- ChloéBonjour, est-ce que je peux payer par carte ?Hello, can I pay by card?
- LucasOui, bien sûr.Yes, of course.
- ChloéParfait, merci beaucoup.Perfect, thank you very much.
- LucasJe vous en prie, bonne journée.You're welcome, have a good day.
