How to Say “Can We Have” in French

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on peut avoir
The English phrase "can we have" is translated into French as on peut avoir.
This phrase is used to ask if it is possible to obtain or receive something. It is frequently used in restaurants or shops when asking for items like the bill, water or a menu.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase on peut avoir literally means "one can have". It is composed of on (one/we), peut (can/is able to) and avoir (to have).

Which one should you use?

While on peut avoir is a common way to phrase the request, Est-ce qu'on peut avoir uses a standard question construction. For a more precise and neutral tone, you can use Pouvons-nous avoir. If you wish to sound even more formal, Serait-il possible d'obtenir or Pourrions-nous recevoir can be used. The latter is particularly suitable in written communication like emails or letters.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

On peut avoir is considered informal because it uses on to mean "we", which is common in spoken, informal French. In more formal settings, one would typically use nous pouvons avoir. For very polite or formal requests, use Pouvons-nous avoir, Serait-il possible d'obtenir or Pourrions-nous recevoir. In an informal context, you can still be polite by using Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir.

How does it change in a sentence?

To turn on peut avoir into a standard question, you can add est-ce que to the beginning to get Est-ce qu'on peut avoir.

Did you know?

  • The word on originally meant 'human being' in Latin, much like how the English word 'man' can refer to humanity in general.

Examples in context

  • Pouvons-nous avoir une table près de la fenêtre?
    Can we have a table near the window?
  • Pourrions-nous recevoir une copie du contrat?
    Could we receive a copy of the contract?
  • Est-ce qu'on peut avoir du pain s'il vous plaît?
    Can we have some bread, please?
  • Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir l'addition?
    Could we have the bill?
  • On peut avoir deux bières?
    Can we have two beers?
  • On peut avoir une table pour deux ?
    Can we have a table for two?
  • Est-ce qu'on peut avoir de l'eau ?
    Can we have some water?
  • On peut avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît ?
    Can we have the bill, please?

Example conversation

Chloé and Hugo are at a restaurant.

  1. Chloé

    On peut avoir une table près de la fenêtre ?
    Can we have a table near the window?
  2. Hugo

    Oui, bien sûr, suivez-moi.
    Yes, of course, follow me.
  3. Chloé

    Merci beaucoup, Hugo.
    Thank you very much, Hugo.
  4. Hugo

    Je vous apporte les menus tout de suite.
    I will bring you the menus right away.

Sources

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Katelyn Megan
Katelyn MeganHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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