je voudrais commander
The English phrase "I would like to order" is translated into French as je voudrais commander.
je voudrais commander… is a formal way to express your desire to order something.
Which one should you use?
In a restaurant setting, French speakers often use the verb prendre instead of commander when stating what they want to eat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using je voudrais is more polite and standard for ordering in a restaurant than saying je veux (I want).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the conditional mood of the verb vouloir (to want) to express a polite request. The verb commander is in the infinitive form because it follows the conjugated verb voudrais.
Did you know?
- While commander is grammatically correct, using it in a restaurant can sometimes sound like you are placing a commercial or military order rather than a meal.
- The word commander shares a deep root with the English word 'command', both evolving from the Latin mandō meaning 'to put into someone's hand'.
- While commander is used for ordering food, it is also the standard word for 'to command' an army or 'to order' someone to do something.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais commander une pizza, s'il vous plaît.I would like to order a pizza, please.
- Je voudrais commander un café noir.I would like to order a black coffee.
Example conversation
Lucas is calling a restaurant to place an order.
- LucasAllô, je voudrais commander un burger.Hello, I would like to order a burger.
- ChloéBien sûr, Lucas. Quel type de burger ?Of course, Lucas. What type of burger?
- LucasLe burger classique avec des frites.The classic burger with fries.
- ChloéC'est noté, Chloé s'occupe de votre commande.Noted, Chloé is taking care of your order.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries commander, je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
