l'addition
The English phrase "restaurant bill" is l'addition in French.
l'addition refers to a printed list of food and drinks consumed at a restaurant and the total amount to be paid.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, it is common to use Le compte, s'il vous plaît to mean "The bill, please".
Did you know?
- In France, it is considered impolite to ask for l'addition immediately after finishing a meal. Guests are expected to linger and enjoy their conversation, as rushing the payment can signal to the waiter that you were unhappy with the service.
- The French language uses the word addition specifically for restaurants, but you would never use it for a 'utility bill' or 'phone bill', which are called factures.
- The word addition is a mathematical term that literally means 'the act of adding up'. It implies the process of summing the costs of each individual item ordered.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, l'addition, s'il vous plaît.Excuse me, the bill, please.
- Bien sûr, voici votre addition.Certainly, here is your bill.
- Hé, la note, s'il te plaît.Hey, the check, please.
- Je voudrais l'addition, s'il vous plaît.I would like the bill, please.
- Puis-je avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît ?May I have the bill, please?
- L'addition est sur la table.The bill is on the table.
- Je vérifie l'addition avant de payer.I am checking the bill before paying.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are finishing their meal at a cafe.
- NathanManon, est-ce qu'on peut demander l'addition ?Manon, can we ask for the bill?
- ManonOui, je vais appeler le serveur.Yes, I will call the waiter.
- NathanMerci, je vais régler avec ma carte.Thanks, I am going to pay with my card.
- ManonParfait, c'était un bon repas.Perfect, it was a good meal.
