je voudrais commander
In French, "I want to order" is expressed as je voudrais commander.
This phrase is used to signal to a waiter or shop assistant that you have made your decision and are ready to proceed with a transaction.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), voudrais (would like) and commander (to order).
Which one should you use?
While je veux commander is grammatically correct, it sounds blunt and demanding to a server, whereas je voudrais commander is the standard polite form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the conditional mood voudrais to express a polite desire, rather than the direct present tense veux (I want).
Did you know?
- The verb commander can also mean 'to tame' or 'to bring under control' when used in different contexts, far removed from buying a meal.
- In a traditional French restaurant, you should avoid calling a server's attention by shouting commander. Instead, a slight nod or a raised hand is the expected cultural gesture.
- The verb commander shares a root with the English word 'command'. It originally comes from the Latin mandō, which referred to giving a mandate or order.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais passer une commande, s'il vous plaît.I would like to place an order, please.
- J'aimerais commander, s'il vous plaît.I would like to order, please.
- Je veux commander, s'il te plaît.I want to order, please.
- Je peux commander, s'il te plaît ?Can I order, please?
- Bonjour, je voudrais passer une commande, s'il vous plaît.Hello, I would like to place an order, please.
- Je voudrais commander une pizza, s'il vous plaît.I want to order a pizza, please.
- Je voudrais commander deux cafés pour la table.I want to order two coffees for the table.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are at a restaurant.
- ManonEst-ce que tu as choisi ton plat, Gabriel ?Have you chosen your dish, Gabriel?
- GabrielOui, je suis prêt.Yes, I am ready.
- ManonMoi aussi, je voudrais commander.Me too, I would like to order.
- GabrielAppelons le serveur alors.Let's call the waiter then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries commander, je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
