l'addition s'il vous plaît
In French, 'please can I have the bill' is expressed as l'addition s'il vous plaît.
This phrase is a polite request for the total amount of money owed for a meal at a restaurant. In French, you do not need to use a full sentence like 'Can I have…' to be polite. Simply stating the noun followed by 's'il vous plaît' is the standard way to make the request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'the bill please'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form l'addition s'il vous plaît is a polite and standard request suitable for any restaurant setting. For more formal situations, you can use Excusez-moi, pourrais-je avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît?, Pardon, est-ce que je peux avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît? or Pourriez-vous me donner l'addition, s'il vous plaît? In informal settings, you might say S'il te plaît, l'addition. or Est-ce que tu peux me donner l'addition?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use la facture when asking for a check at a restaurant. Instead, use l'addition, as la facture is typically used for commercial invoices or utility bills.
Did you know?
- In France, waiters generally will not bring l'addition until you explicitly ask for it, as it is considered rude to rush guests out of the restaurant.
- If you cannot catch the waiter's eye to say l'addition s'il vous plaît, it is common and accepted to make a writing motion in the air with your hand.
- While l'addition is the standard word for a restaurant bill, the word addition in French literally means 'the act of adding', referring to the sum of the items ordered.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, excusez-moi, pourrais-je avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît?Good evening, excuse me, could I have the bill, please?
- Est-ce que je peux avoir l'addition s'il vous plaît ?Can I have the bill, please?
- Monsieur, l'addition s'il vous plaît.Sir, the bill please.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are finishing their meal at a restaurant.
- NathanC'était un excellent repas.That was an excellent meal.
- ManonJe suis d'accord, c'était délicieux.I agree, it was delicious.
- NathanJe vais demander l'addition s'il vous plaît.I am going to ask for the bill, please.
- ManonTrès bien, je prépare ma carte.Very well, I'll get my card ready.
