How to order in French at a café or bar.
Bonjour ! You will know how to order in French at a café or bar at the end of thi episode!
#1 Understanding French from waitstaff at the café and bar
There are different ways your waitress or waiter will address you.
Bonjour, vous désirez-quoi ?
Bonjour, que désirez-vous commander ? Hello, what would you like?
Bonjour, qu’est ce que vous prenez ? Hello, what would you take?
Bonjour, souhaitez-vous commander ? Hello, would you like to order ?
Bonjour, vous avez choisi ?
#2 Understanding gender in French
Now remember, In French, all the nouns (common words) have a gender, either masculine or feminine. French does not have a neutral.
In front of a masculine noun, you either say ‘le’ or ‘un’ such as un café, un thé…
In front of a feminine word, you either say ‘la’ or ‘une’ such as une bière, un limonade..
When ordering…’Bonjour, je voudrais’…and always, always add ‘s’il vous plait”..
#3 French vocabulary at the café
Le café ou un café ou un express
‘Un noisette’ = café with a drop of milk, or un café-crème
Un thé
Une infusion = Herbal tea
Un verre d’eau
Une évian
Un perrier
Un coca/ un peps
une limonade (close from Sprite or Seven Up)
La bière ou une bière // Une pression // Un demi
Un verre de vin rouge
Un verre de vin blanc
Une flûte de champagne
Un verre de rosé
L’addition= the check, the bill
ça fait combien ? = What is the total
And always add S’il vous plait = Please , very important!
Voilà ! Now, you know how to speak French at the café and bar.
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Merci et à bientôt !
Séverine