un café, s'il vous plaît
The English phrase "coffee, please" is translated into French as un café, s'il vous plaît.
This phrase is a polite request used to order a coffee in a cafe or restaurant.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase un café, s'il vous plaît literally translates to "a coffee, if it pleases you".
When do people say it?
In a French cafe, ordering un café typically implies a small espresso rather than a large cup of drip coffee.
Did you know?
- The word café actually traces its lineage back through Italian and Ottoman Turkish to the Arabic word qahwa.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like a coffee, please.
- Pour moi, un café, s'il vous plaît.For me, a coffee, please.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are at a small Parisian cafe.
- NathanBonjour ! Un café, s'il vous plaît.Hello! A coffee, please.
- LéaBien sûr. Et pour vous, madame ?Of course. And for you, madam?
- NathanUn café aussi, s'il vous plaît.A coffee as well, please.
- LéaC'est noté. Je vous apporte ça tout de suite.Got it. I'll bring that to you right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries café, un, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
