French · Real conversations
Cafés: useful French phrases
Order a drink and clarify a small detail.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- A coffee, please
un café, s'il vous plaît
A coffee, please
- To go, please (takeaway)
à emporter, s'il vous plaît
To go, please (takeaway)
- Water
l'eau
Water
- No, thank you
non, merci
No, thank you
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| A coffee, please | un café, s'il vous plaît A coffee, please |
| To go, please (takeaway) | à emporter, s'il vous plaît To go, please (takeaway) |
| Water | l'eau Water |
| No, thank you | non, merci No, thank you |
| Could I have it without ...? | Est-ce que je pourrais l'avoir sans … ? Show English translationCould I have it without …? |
| Is this for here or to take away? | C'est sur place ou à emporter ? Show English translationIs this for here or to take away? |
| Could you make it decaf? | Pourriez-vous le faire décaféiné ? Show English translationCould you make it decaf? |
| Can I have tap water? | Est-ce que je pourrais avoir de l'eau du robinet ? Show English translationCan I have tap water? |
| Is service included? | Le service est compris ? Show English translationIs service included? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Que souhaitez-vous dans votre café ?
What would you like in your coffee?
You
Je pourrais l'avoir sans sucre ?
Could I have it without sugar?
Partner
C'est sur place ou à emporter ?
Is this for here or to take away?
You
À emporter, s'il vous plaît.
To take away, please.
Cafés in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
