addition
/a.di.sjɔ̃/
The English phrase "check or bill" is translated into French as addition.
addition refers to a printed list of food and drinks consumed at a restaurant and the total amount to be paid.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /a.di.sjɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use un chèque when they mean a restaurant bill. However, un chèque refers specifically to a bank check used for payment.
Did you know?
- The word pourboire, used for a tip, literally translates to 'for drink'. This refers to the historical custom where customers would give small coins to staff so they could enjoy a drink on the house.
- In France, the addition usually includes a service charge by law, meaning the pourboire is not expected as strictly as tipping is in North America.
- While you ask for l'addition at the table, paying the bill in a French café is often done directly at the counter or au comptoir rather than at the seat.
Examples in context
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît.The check, please.
- Pourriez-vous me donner l'addition, s'il vous plaît?Could you give me the bill, please?
- Tu peux m'apporter l'addition?Can you bring me the bill?
- Est-ce que vous acceptez les chèques?Do you accept checks?
- Est-ce que le service est compris?Is the service charge included?
- Est-ce que je peux avoir l'addition ?Can I have the bill?
- Vous avez oublié de demander l'addition.You forgot to ask for the check.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are finishing their meal at a bistro.
- ChloéC'était délicieux, n'est-ce pas ?That was delicious, wasn't it?
- HugoOui, j'ai vraiment aimé mon plat.Yes, I really liked my dish.
- ChloéJe demande l'addition pour nous.I'll ask for the bill for us.
- HugoD'accord, je vais payer avec ma carte.Okay, I will pay with my card.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry addition, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
