What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Je voudrais literally translates to "I would like" and is the standard way to express "can I have" when ordering.
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to phrase this depending on the level of formality. The standard version is Je voudrais un croissant, s'il vous plaît. More formal options include Puis-je avoir un croissant, s'il vous plaît? (Can I have a croissant, please?) or Pourrais-je avoir un croissant, s'il vous plaît? (Could I have a croissant, please?). For casual settings, you might use Est-ce que je peux avoir un croissant, s'il te plaît? or Je peux avoir un croissant, s'il te plaît?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, a common way to politely ask for a croissant is Est-ce que je pourrais avoir un croissant, s'il vous plaît?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase s'il vous plaît is the polite form of "please" used with people you do not know personally, such as a server.
Did you know?
- While croissants are iconic to France, they are based on the Austrian 'kipferl', a bread roll that French bakers refined into the flaky pastry known today.
- In a traditional French bakery, it is customary to say Bonjour to the shopkeeper before using the phrase Je voudrais un croissant.
- The term croissant refers to the shape of the moon, as the word describes a moon that is 'growing' or waxing.
Examples in context
- Monsieur, je voudrais un croissant, s'il vous plaît.Sir, I would like a croissant, please.
Example conversation
Lucas is ordering breakfast at a local bakery.
- LucasBonjour, je voudrais un croissant, s'il vous plaît.Hello, I would like a croissant, please.
- EmmaBien sûr, Lucas. Autre chose ?Of course, Lucas. Anything else?
- LucasNon merci, c'est tout.No thank you, that is all.
- EmmaTrès bien, ça fera deux euros.Very well, that will be two euros.
