pourboires
The English phrase 'tips' is translated into French as pourboires.
In this context, pourboires refers to small sums of money given to service workers as a reward for good service. If you want to express the action of 'to leave a tip', use the verb phrase laisser un pourboire.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pourboire is a compound of pour (for) and boire (to drink).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is un pourboire, while the plural is des pourboires.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, pourboires are much more similar to North American customs than in France. It is standard to leave 15% to 20% because the service charge is not typically included in the price.
- The term pourboire can occasionally be used in a very informal, slang way to refer to a small bribe or a 'kickback' in certain contexts.
- Because the word contains boire, it evokes the historical custom of patrons leaving money specifically to pay for the server's own refreshments during a break.
Examples in context
- Les pourboires sont partagés.Tips are pooled.This sentence shows how to say that tips are pooled using pourboires.Tatoeba #8500516 by felix63, translation #12847939 by rul
- Vladimir donne de gros pourboires.Vladimir tips big.This sentence illustrates the idea of giving large tips using pourboires.Tatoeba #11941110 by Amastan, translation #11930415 by Amastan
- Nous n'acceptons pas les pourboires.We do not accept tips.This sentence demonstrates how to say that tips are not accepted using pourboires.Tatoeba #457589 by sacredceltic, translation #1738675 by belgavox
- J'ai lu une astuce utile dans ce livre.I read a useful tip in this book.
- Le médecin m'a donné de bons conseils pour rester en forme.The doctor gave me good tips to stay fit.
- J'ai besoin de quelques conseils pour bien réussir mon examen.I need some tips to pass my exam successfully.
- Les astuces de ce site m'ont beaucoup aidé.The tips on this website were very helpful to me.
- Je peux te donner quelques astuces pour faire pousser des plantes.I can give you some tips to grow plants.
- Donne-moi tes meilleurs tuyaux pour réussir cette recette.Give me your best tips to succeed with this recipe.
- Je suis là pour t'aider.I'm here to help you.
- Le guide m'a donné de bonnes recommandations touristiques.The guide gave me good tourist recommendations.
- Nous aimons partager nos trucs et astuces de cuisine.We love sharing our cooking tips and tricks.
- J'ai suivi ses conseils et j'ai réussi mon entretien.I followed his advice and succeeded in my interview.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing a recent dining experience.
- ManonEst-ce que tu as laissé des pourboires ?Did you leave any tips?
- NathanOui, le service était excellent.Yes, the service was excellent.
- ManonC'est gentil de ta part, Nathan.That is kind of you, Nathan.
- NathanJe trouve que les pourboires sont mérités.I think tips are deserved.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
