couvert
/ku.vɛʁ/
couvert is the French word for.
couvert refers to the set of tableware, including cutlery and glassware, laid out for one person at a meal. You can use it to count individual place settings, such as when a restaurant is calculating capacity or a host is preparing a meal. The idiomatic expression mettre le couvert means to lay the table.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is couverts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ku.vɛʁ/
When do people say it?
In many French restaurants, le couvert refers to a fixed charge per person for the service and the setting of the table, which is often included in your bill.
Did you know?
- The word couvert is also used in the phrase à couvert, which describes a place that is sheltered from the rain or wind.
- The term couvert can be used as a synonym for the number of guests at a banquet, where a waiter might report the total couverts instead of people.
- While 'cover charge' in English usually refers to entering a club or venue, the French couvert is strictly tied to the dining table and the service of bread and setting.
Examples in context
- Combien de couverts sont nécessaires?How many place settings are needed?
- Peux-tu mettre les couverts?Can you set the table?
- Bonjour, combien de couverts souhaitez-vous pour ce soir ?Hello, how many place settings would you like for this evening?
- Le couvert est déjà sur la table.The place setting is already on the table.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are preparing for a dinner party at home.
- EmmaNathan, as-tu vérifié chaque couvert ?Nathan, did you check every place setting?
- NathanOui, j'ai installé tous les couverts.Yes, I have set all the place settings.
- EmmaParfait, la table est magnifique.Perfect, the table looks beautiful.
- NathanMerci, les invités vont bientôt arriver.Thanks, the guests will arrive soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry couvert, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
