French · Food & Drink
"Napkin" in French: serviette
la serviette
Napkin in French is la serviette, feminine. Une serviette de table is a table napkin. Note: serviette can also mean towel—context decides.
Dinner table
Pose la serviette sur tes genoux.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce serviette
Say it
sehr-VYET
/sɛʁ.vjɛt/
Serviette: sehr-VYET. Soft v; final t is usually heard.
"Napkin" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la serviette | the napkin / towel Context decides. | Context decides. |
| une serviette de table | a table napkin Clear napkin sense. | Clear napkin sense. |
| une serviette en papier | a paper napkin Casual meals. | Casual meals. |
| une serviette de bain | a bath towel Bathroom sense. | Bathroom sense. |
How to use serviette in real life
- 1Dinner table
Pose la serviette sur tes genoux.
Put the napkin on your lap.
La serviette.
- 2Café spill
Tu as une serviette en papier ?
Do you have a paper napkin?
Serviette en papier.
- 3Setting places
Il manque une serviette de table ici.
There's a table napkin missing here.
Serviette de table.
Mistakes English speakers make with serviette
Incorrect: Le serviette.
Correct: La serviette.
Serviette is feminine.
Incorrect: Passe-moi le napkin.
Correct: Passe-moi la serviette.
Use serviette.
Good to know
At restaurants, une serviette may be cloth; at casual spots, paper. If you mean beach towel, say serviette de plage to avoid confusion.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Kids at lunch
ChatPal
Essuie ta bouche avec la serviette.
Wipe your mouth with the napkin.
You
La serviette est déjà sale.
The napkin is already dirty.
ChatPal
Prends une autre serviette en papier.
Take another paper napkin.
You
OK, merci.
OK, thanks.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Napkin" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Napkin" in French
How do you say napkin in French?
La serviette (often serviette de table).
Does serviette also mean towel?
Yes—add de table / de bain / de plage when needed.
Is serviette feminine?
Yes: une serviette.
How do you pronounce serviette?
sehr-VYET.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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