L'addition, s'il vous plaît
The English phrase "check, please" is translated into French as L'addition, s'il vous plaît.
This phrase is used as a polite request for the bill at the end of a meal in a restaurant. While you can say L'addition, s'il vous plaît, it is also common in many French restaurants to simply catch the server's eye and say L'addition to signal that you are ready to pay.
What does it mean word for word?
The term L'addition literally means "the addition" or "the sum" in a mathematical sense, which refers here to the total amount due.
When do people say it?
In France, it is considered impolite to rush a server by calling them over loudly. Using L'addition, s'il vous plaît with a polite nod or a small hand gesture is the standard etiquette.
Did you know?
- The word pourboire, which is the word for a tip, literally translates to 'for drink'. This stems from the historical practice of leaving small coins for a server to buy a drink.
- In France, the service charge is legally included in the price of the meal, so leaving a tip after l'addition, s'il vous plaît is an extra gesture of generosity rather than a requirement.
- The word vous in s'il vous plaît is related to the Italian word voi and the Russian word вы.
Examples in context
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît.The check, please.
- Est-ce que je peux avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît ?Can I have the bill, please?
- Monsieur, l'addition, s'il vous plaît.Sir, the check, please.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are finishing their lunch at a café.
- ManonC'était délicieux, n'est-ce pas ?That was delicious, wasn't it?
- GabrielOui, c'était vraiment très bon.Yes, it was really very good.
- ManonGarçon, l'addition, s'il vous plaît !Waiter, the check, please!
- GabrielJe vais payer pour nous deux.I will pay for both of us.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
