🇫🇷 Ordering at a French Café
French café culture is an art form. Here's how to order like a local — and avoid the tourist traps.
📝 Key phrases
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 Translation |
|---|---|
| Un café, s'il vous plaît. | A coffee, please. |
| Un café crème. | A coffee with milk. |
| Un thé au citron. | A lemon tea. |
| Un croissant, s'il vous plaît. | A croissant, please. |
| En terrasse ou à l'intérieur ? | Outside or inside? |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît. | The bill, please. |
| Vous avez le Wi-Fi ? | Do you have Wi-Fi? |
| C'est combien ? | How much is it? |
| Un verre d'eau, s'il vous plaît. | A glass of water, please. |
| Gardez la monnaie. | Keep the change. |
Cultural tip
In France, "un café" means an espresso by default. If you want a large coffee with milk (like an American coffee), ask for "un café crème" or "un café allongé". Never say "latte" — that just means "milk" in French.
Did you know?
Sitting at the terrace (outside) is often more expensive than standing at the bar ("au comptoir") in Parisian cafés. Locals who want cheap coffee drink it standing!
💬 Conversation with Emma
E
Bonjour ! En terrasse ou à l'intérieur ?
Hello! Outside or inside?
You
En terrasse, s'il vous plaît. Un café crème et un croissant.
Outside, please. A coffee with milk and a croissant.
E
Très bien. Autre chose ?
Very well. Anything else?
You
Un verre d'eau, s'il vous plaît. Vous avez le Wi-Fi ?
A glass of water, please. Do you have Wi-Fi?
E
Oui, le mot de passe est sur le comptoir. Voilà votre café !
Yes, the password is on the counter. Here's your coffee!
You
Merci ! C'est combien ?
Thank you! How much is it?
E
5 euros 50.
5 euros 50.
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