Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “order” in French! Whether you’re planning to visit a French-speaking country, attending a French restaurant, or simply wishing to expand your language skills, knowing how to order in French is essential. In this guide, we will cover formal and informal ways to express “order” in French, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Order”
When you want to use a more formal tone while ordering in French, consider these phrases:
1. Faire une commande
The most common formal way to say “to order” in French is “faire une commande”. For example:
Je voudrais faire une commande, s’il vous plaît. (I would like to place an order, please.)
2. Passer une commande
Another formal expression is “passer une commande”. Here’s an example:
Pouvez-vous me dire comment passer une commande ? (Can you tell me how to place an order?)
Informal Ways to Say “Order”
Let’s explore some informal ways to order in French, which can be used among friends or in casual settings.
1. Commander
The most straightforward and commonly used informal verb for “to order” is “commander”. For instance:
Je vais commander une salade, et toi ? (I’m going to order a salad, what about you?)
2. Prendre
Another option in informal contexts is using the verb “prendre”, which means “to take/to have”. Here’s an example:
On prend quoi à manger ? (What are we having?)
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are commonly used throughout French-speaking countries, there are minor regional variations. Let’s explore a few:
1. Se faire servir
In certain regions, instead of using “faire une commande”, people may use “se faire servir” to mean “to place an order” literally. For example:
Je me fais servir un café, s’il vous plaît. (I’ll have a coffee, please.)
2. Passer sa commande
In some areas, they use “passer sa commande” rather than “passer une commande” to convey the same meaning. For instance:
J’ai passé ma commande, maintenant il faut attendre. (I’ve placed my order, now we have to wait.)
Tips for Ordering in French
Here are some useful tips to enhance your ordering experience in French-speaking environments:
1. Use polite phrases and pronouns
When addressing waitstaff or employees, always remember to use polite expressions such as “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you). Additionally, opt for the formal “vous” form instead of the informal “tu” form to show respect.
2. Practice pronunciation
Pronunciation is key when ordering in any language. Take your time to practice the French words for different dishes and beverages, ensuring you’re understood correctly.
3. Be aware of local customs
Each French-speaking country or region may have its own customs and dining etiquette. Familiarize yourself with the local practices to ensure you order appropriately.
Examples of Ordering in French
To help you get comfortable with ordering in French, let’s go through a few practical examples:
Example 1:
Waiter: Bonjour, que voulez-vous commander aujourd’hui ? (Hello, what would you like to order today?)
Customer: Je vais prendre un steak-frites, s’il vous plaît. (I’ll have a steak-frites, please.)
Example 2:
Waitress: Puis-je prendre votre commande ? (May I take your order?)
Customer: Je voudrais faire une commande à emporter. (I would like to place a takeout order.)
Example 3:
Friend: On va manger quoi aujourd’hui ? (What are we going to eat today?)
You: Prends ce que tu veux, je suis ouvert à tout. (Order whatever you want, I’m open to anything.)
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “order” in French. We hope this information proves invaluable on your journey to becoming a proficient French speaker. Bon appétit!
