l'addition
The English phrase "restaurant check" is l'addition in French.
l'addition refers to the printed bill given to a customer at the end of a meal. To ask for the bill politely, you should say l'addition, s'il vous plaît.
What does it mean word for word?
The word addition in this context refers to the mathematical sum of the items ordered.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of l'addition is les additions.
When do people say it?
In France, it is customary for diners to ask for the check when they are ready to leave.
Did you know?
- In some traditional French brasseries, you might see a ardoise (literally 'slate') used for regular customers. Instead of asking for l'addition every visit, the server keeps a running tab on a slate or in a ledger.
- While l'addition is the bill, the act of paying for everyone's meal is called régler l'addition. The verb régler literally means 'to adjust' or 'to settle', treating the bill like a balance that needs to be squared.
- In France, you should never wait for the waiter to bring the bill at the end of the meal. It is considered a social faux pas to rush a customer, so the waiter will often wait for you to explicitly ask for l'addition.
Examples in context
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît.The check, please.
- Pourriez-vous m'apporter l'addition ?Could you bring me the check?
- J'aimerais régler l'addition, s'il vous plaît.I would like to pay the check, please.
- Tu peux m'apporter l'addition ?Can you bring me the check?
- Je vais régler l'addition, s'il te plaît.I will pay the check, please.
- Est-ce que je peux avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît ?Can I have the check, please?
- Vous avez oublié l'addition sur la table.You forgot the check on the table.
- L'addition est un peu élevée ce soir.The bill is a bit high tonight.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are finishing a meal in a cafe.
- EmmaLucas, pourrais-tu demander l'addition ?Lucas, could you ask for the check?
- LucasBien sûr, je vais appeler le serveur.Of course, I will call the waiter.
- EmmaMerci, on doit partir bientôt.Thank you, we have to leave soon.
- LucasD'accord, je m'en occupe.Okay, I'll take care of it.
