je voudrais payer
In French, "I want to pay" is expressed as je voudrais payer.
This phrase is used as a polite way to tell a server or a cashier that you are ready to settle your bill.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the subject je (I), the conditional verb voudrais (would like) and the infinitive payer (to pay).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In contrast, je veux payer is considered informal and can sound blunt or demanding to a server.
When do people say it?
While je voudrais payer is perfectly correct, it is very common to simply say l'addition, s'il vous plaît (the bill, please) to signal that you are ready to pay.
Did you know?
- The verb payer actually shares a root with the word 'pacify'. It comes from the Latin 'pacāre', suggesting that paying a debt is a way to 'pacify' or settle a dispute.
- In France, it is often considered impolite for a server to bring the bill before you have specifically asked for it.
- While je voudrais payer is polite, some diners use a subtle hand gesture of mimicking writing in the air to signal for the bill without speaking.
Examples in context
- Non. Je voudrais payer en espèces.No. I want to pay in cash.This sentence is useful for specifying that you want to use cash for the payment when using je voudrais payer.Tatoeba #1169850 by sacredceltic, translation #456513 by lukaszpp
- Je voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît.I would like to pay, please.
- Puis-je régler l'addition, s'il vous plaît?May I settle the bill, please?
- Je veux payer, s'il te plaît.I want to pay, please.
- Je voudrais payer l'addition, s'il vous plaît.I would like to pay the bill, please.
- Excusez-moi, je voudrais payer par carte.Excuse me, I would like to pay by card.
Example conversation
A customer is finishing a meal at a small cafe.
- NathanExcusez-moi, je voudrais payer.Excuse me, I would like to pay.
- ChloéBien sûr, monsieur. Voici l'addition.Of course, sir. Here is the bill.
- NathanMerci. Je peux payer par carte ?Thank you. Can I pay by card?
- ChloéOui, tout à fait.Yes, absolutely.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, payer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
