serviette
/sɛʁ.vjɛt/feminine
The French word for napkin is serviette.
serviette is a feminine noun used to refer to a napkin.
Meaning: serviette (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, serviette is used as a generic term that can refer to either a table napkin or a paper napkin.
How does it change in a sentence?
serviette is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sɛʁ.vjɛt/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, if you ask for a serviette in a hotel, you might be handed a small towel rather than a cloth napkin. This is because serviette is the standard word for a 'towel' as well.
- In a formal French dining setting, it is a breach of etiquette to shake your serviette when unfolding it. You should unfold it silently and place it on your lap without making a sound.
- Because it is derived from the verb servir, meaning 'to serve', the word serviette literally describes an object that is 'used for serving'.
Examples in context
- Tom déplia sa serviette.Tom unfolded his napkin.This sentence shows how to use the verb for unfolding a serviette.Tatoeba #5726909 by Aiji, translation #2645267 by CK
- Puis-je avoir une serviette ?May I have a napkin?This sentence is useful for asking to receive a serviette.Tatoeba #7668606 by tras, translation #5506624 by confusedchild02
- Je l'ai écrit sur une serviette.I wrote it down on a napkin.This sentence demonstrates writing something on a serviette.Tatoeba #7982909 by Aiji, translation #2543714 by CK
- Merci, pourriez-vous m'apporter une serviette de table, s'il vous plaît?Thank you, could you please bring me a table napkin?
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are eating lunch at a restaurant.
- LéaNathan, passe-moi une serviette, s'il te plaît.Nathan, pass me a napkin, please.
- NathanTiens, en voilà une pour toi.Here, here is one for you.
- LéaMerci, j'ai taché ma serviette.Thanks, I stained my napkin.
- NathanCe n'est pas grave, Léa.It's not a problem, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “napkin” translations and entries serviette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries serviette, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
