Bonjour et bienvenue! Are you looking to expand your French vocabulary and learn how to say “What would you like?” Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, knowing how to express this simple phrase can make your conversations in French more engaging and smooth. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey this question in both formal and informal contexts, covering tips, examples, and regional variations where relevant. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “What Would You Like” in French
When addressing someone in a formal context, such as in professional settings or with someone you don’t know well, it’s important to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are some formal ways to ask “What would you like?” in French:
1.1 “Que désirez-vous ?”
This is a polite and common phrase you can use when addressing someone formally. Literally translated, it means “What do you desire?” or “What would you like?” Here’s an example:
Server: Bonjour madame/monsieur, que désirez-vous ?
Customer: Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît.
Server: Très bien, je vous apporte ça tout de suite.
Note: In this context, madame is used for a female customer, and monsieur for a male customer. It’s always a good idea to address someone with the appropriate salutation.
1.2 “Que puis-je vous offrir ?”
If you want to sound even more polite and service-oriented, you can use this phrase, which translates to “What can I offer you?” It emphasizes the server’s willingness to cater to the customer’s preferences:
Server: Bonjour, que puis-je vous offrir ?
Customer: Je suis intéressé(e) par le plat du jour.
Server: Très bien, je vous le recommande.
These formal phrases are suitable in a variety of formal settings. Remember to maintain a respectful tone and adapt your language according to the situation.
2. Informal Ways to Say “What Would You Like” in French
When addressing friends, family, or colleagues in a more informal setting, it’s common to use a friendlier tone. Here are a couple of informal ways to ask “What would you like?” in French:
2.1 “Qu’est-ce que tu veux ?”
This is a simple and casual way to ask “What do you want?” among friends or peers. Here’s an example:
Friend: Salut, qu’est-ce que tu veux boire ?
You: Je prendrais bien un verre d’eau, s’il te plaît.
Friend: D’accord, je t’apporte ça.
2.2 “Tu désires quoi ?”
A slightly more casual phrase used among friends is “Tu désires quoi?” It carries the same meaning as “Qu’est-ce que tu veux?”, asking “What do you desire?” Here’s an example:
Colleague: Salut, dans quelle salle de réunion tu veux te retrouver ?
You: Oh, désolé(e), j’ai oublié, tu désires quoi ?
Colleague: La salle de réunion 3 sera parfaite.
It’s important to adjust your language depending on your relationship with the person you are speaking to and the level of informality of the situation.
3. Regional Variations
While French is mainly standardized across different regions, there may be slight variations in how people express “What do you want?” Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of regional variations:
3.1 Quebec French
In Quebec, the French spoken has some distinct vocabulary and expressions. Instead of “Que désirez-vous ?”, the phrase “Qu’est-ce que vous voulez ?” is commonly used in Quebec French. Here’s an example:
Server: Bonjour, qu’est-ce que vous voulez ?
Customer: Je vais prendre une poutine traditionnelle, s’il vous plaît.
Server: Bien sûr, je vous l’apporte rapidement.
3.2 African French
In African countries where French is spoken, you may encounter variations influenced by local languages. For instance, in some West African countries like Senegal, you may hear “Qu’est-ce que tu veux?” replaced with “Dama begg?” which means the same thing. Here’s an example:
Friend: Salut, dama begg na lool ?
You: Je veux bien du thiéboudienne, s’il te plaît.
Friend: D’accord, je t’en apporte un peu.
Although regional variations exist, the standard French phrases discussed earlier can be understood and used in most French-speaking regions.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to ask “What would you like?” in French, both in formal and informal contexts. Remember to adapt your language and tone based on the situation and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Whether you’re enjoying a conversation in France, Canada, or any other French-speaking region, these phrases will help you navigate through different interactions seamlessly.
Keep practicing and immersing yourself in French language and culture, and soon you’ll feel confident using these expressions effortlessly. Bonne chance et au revoir!
