French · Everyday Verbs
"to order (food)" in French: commander
commander
To order in French is commander. Je commande un plat names the dish. La commande is also the noun order — use je commande for the clear verb.
Restaurant table
Je commande le poisson du jour.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce commander
Say it
koh-mahn-DAY / zhuh koh-MAHND
/kɔ.mɑ̃.de/
Commander: koh-mahn-DAY. Je commande: zhuh koh-MAHND. Clear nasal on man.
"to order (food)" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| commander | to order Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| je commande | I order / I'm ordering Clear verb form. | Clear verb form. |
| on commande ? | shall we order? Table decision. | Table decision. |
| commander en ligne | to order online E-commerce. | E-commerce. |
How to use commander in real life
- 1Restaurant table
Je commande le poisson du jour.
I'm ordering the fish of the day.
Je commande.
- 2Sharing apps
On commande deux entrées à partager ?
Shall we order two starters to share?
On commande.
- 3Phone takeaway
Je voudrais commander une pizza Margherita.
I'd like to order a Margherita pizza.
Infinitive after modal.
Mistakes English speakers make with commander
Incorrect: Je suis commande le plat.
Correct: Je commande le plat.
Present is je commande, not être + noun.
Incorrect: Je order un café.
Correct: Je commande un café.
Use commander, not English order.
Good to know
In restaurants, waiters ask vous avez choisi ? before je commande. Online, commander also covers shopping carts. Don't confuse with commander meaning to order someone (military) — context decides.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing dishes at dinner
ChatPal
Tu sais ce que tu commandes ?
Do you know what you're ordering?
You
Je commande les pâtes.
I'm ordering the pasta.
ChatPal
Moi je commande la salade.
I'm ordering the salad.
You
Et une carafe d'eau ?
And a carafe of water?
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to order (food)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to order (food)" in French
How do you say to order in French?
Commander.
How do you say I'm ordering?
Je commande.
Is la commande the same?
That's the noun (the order); use je commande for the verb.
How do you pronounce commande?
koh-MAHND.
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
Keep reading
- Ordering Food in French: Essential Phrases for 2026Ordering food in french - Learn how to confidently order food in French with real-life phrases and tips for 2026 travelers
- 10 Best French Speaking Practice Apps for 2026Find the best French speaking practice app to build fluency. We review 10 top tools like ChatPal for conversation, travel prep, and building confidence in 2026.
