How to Say "Counter" in French

comptoir

/kɔ̃.twaʁ/

The English word 'counter' translates to French as comptoir.

comptoir refers to a physical surface or desk used for service, such as in a bar, shop or information desk.

Meaning: object used in counting (noun)

Which one should you use?

Do not confuse comptoir (a physical counter/desk) with compteur (a device used for counting, like a water meter or a tally counter).

The word has two syllables: /kɔ̃.twaʁ/.

In the age of sail, a comptoir was not a piece of furniture but a coastal trading post or factory used by European powers in Africa and Asia.
In a traditional French café, the comptoir is the social heart of the establishment where customers often stand to drink their espresso quickly.
The noun comptoir shares a root with the English word 'account'. Both come from the same Latin concept of counting or reckoning.

Tom s'appuya sur le comptoir.
Tom leaned on the counter.
This sentence shows how to use comptoir when someone leans against it.
Tatoeba #9481316 by Micsmithel, translation #1868083 by CK
Voudrais-tu t'asseoir au comptoir ?
Would you like to sit at the counter?
This sentence shows how to use comptoir when suggesting someone sit at it.
Tatoeba #5369685 by Aiji, translation #4846661 by CK
Y a-t-il un comptoir d'information ?
Is there an information counter?
This sentence shows how to use comptoir to refer to an information desk.
Tatoeba #5628001 by Aiji, translation #20811 by al_ex_an_der
Vous pouvez trouver le responsable au comptoir.
You can find the manager at the counter.
Je dois retirer de l'argent au guichet.
I need to withdraw money at the counter.
13 more sentences on Tatoeba

Chloé and Nathan are at a bakery.

Chloé

On fait la queue pour aller au comptoir.
We are queuing to go to the counter.
Nathan

C'est vrai, il y a beaucoup de monde.
That's true, there are a lot of people.
Chloé

Je vais commander an croissant au comptoir.
I am going to order a croissant at the counter.
Nathan

Prends-en un pour moi aussi, Chloé.
Get one for me too, Chloé.

Sources

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