French · Real conversations
How to say “This isn't what I ordered.” in French
Explain that the item brought to you does not match your order.
Ce n'est pas ce que j'ai commandé.
This isn't what I ordered.
Point to the item and name the correct order when possible.
Use it in three situations
A wrong dish
Ce n'est pas ce que j'ai commandé.
This isn't what I ordered.
An incorrect drink
Excusez-moi, ce n'est pas la soupe que j'ai commandée.
Sorry, this isn't the soup I ordered.
A takeaway order
J'ai commandé du thé, mais c'est du café.
I ordered tea, but this is coffee.
What to watch for
Keep the statement about the order; an accusation about the person's intentions is unnecessary.
Read the whole expression before replacing a detail. The natural wording may use a different order or construction from the English sentence.
Your turn
Imagine restaurant problems. Say this in French: Sorry, this isn't the soup I ordered.
Reveal a sample reply
Excusez-moi, ce n'est pas la soupe que j'ai commandée.
Sorry, this isn't the soup I ordered.
Build a useful exchange
Explain a problem with an order and settle the bill.
This expression 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.
