couverts
/ku.vɛʁ/
In American English, the term 'silverware' is translated into French as couverts.
The term couverts is commonly used to refer to cutlery, specifically the collective set of knives, forks and spoons provided for a meal, such as in a restaurant context.
Meaning: (US) knives, forks and spoons (noun)
Which one should you use?
While couverts is the general term for cutlery, argenterie refers specifically to the entire collection of silverware, including cutlery and serving utensils, that is made of actual silver. Similarly, La vaisselle en argent can be used to translate 'silverware' when specifically referring to tableware made of silver.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form couvert refers to a single place setting of cutlery.
How do you pronounce it?
/ku.vɛʁ/
Did you know?
- In a French restaurant, if a waiter asks Combien de couverts?, they are not asking how many forks you need, but how many people are in your party.
- The word couvert is related to the verb couvrir, meaning 'to cover', because a place setting traditionally included a cloth or lid to keep food warm.
- In high-end French dining, the couvert may include a mandatory service charge, often referred to as the prix du couvert.
Examples in context
- Est-ce que je peux avoir des couverts, s'il vous plaît ?Can I have some cutlery, please?
- N'oublie pas de mettre les couverts sur la table.Don't forget to put the silverware on the table.
- Est-ce que les couverts sont propres ?Is the silverware clean?
- Nous avons besoin de nouveaux couverts pour le dîner.We need new silverware for dinner.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are setting the table for dinner.
- LéaGabriel, peux-tu sortir les couverts ?Gabriel, can you get the silverware out?
- GabrielOui, ils sont dans le tiroir.Yes, they are in the drawer.
- LéaMerci, on a besoin de quatre couteaux.Thanks, we need four knives.
- GabrielJe m'en occupe tout de suite.I'll take care of it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry couverts, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
