How to Ask for the Check in French: L'addition, s'il vous plaît

Ask for the check in a French restaurant with l'addition, s'il vous plaît, pay by card or phone, and understand why the server waits for you to ask.

The key phrase

L'addition, s'il vous plaît. means “The check, please.” It is short, polite and understood everywhere in France.

A slightly softer version is a question: On pourrait avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît ? — “Could we have the check, please?” In everyday speech you will also hear Je peux avoir l'addition ?

Why the check doesn't come by itself

In many French restaurants the server will not bring the check until you ask. Bringing it early can feel like rushing guests out, and lingering at the table after a meal is normal. So if you are waiting, it is not bad service: catch the server's eye, say Excusez-moi, and ask.

Paying by card, phone or cash

After the check arrives, you may want to ask:

• Je peux payer par carte ? — “Can I pay by card?”
• Je peux payer avec mon téléphone ? — “Can I pay with my phone?”
• On peut payer séparément ? — “Can we pay separately?” Not every restaurant splits the bill, so be ready for Non, désolé.

The server may ask Par carte ou en espèces ? — “By card or in cash?” and often brings a card terminal to the table.

Service is included in French restaurant prices (service compris). Leaving a little extra, un pourboire, is a friendly gesture when you liked the service, not an obligation.

A short exchange at the end of a meal

A: Excusez-moi, l'addition, s'il vous plaît.
“Excuse me, the check, please.”

B: Oui, tout de suite. Vous payez comment ?
“Yes, right away. How are you paying?”

A: Par carte. On peut payer séparément ?
“By card. Can we pay separately?”

B: Oui, bien sûr. Qui commence ?
“Yes, of course. Who goes first?”

A: Moi. Merci, c'était délicieux !
“Me. Thank you, it was delicious!”

Pronunciation tips

Addition has three syllables, “ah-dee-SYOHN,” ending in a nasal vowel with no clear n. L'addition links into one word: “lah-dee-SYOHN.” Carte keeps its t: “kart.” In séparément, the final t is silent.

Register and politeness

Always use vous with the server. On (“we”) is the normal, relaxed way to say “we” in speech: On peut payer ? sounds more natural than Nous pouvons payer ? in a restaurant. End with Merci, bonne soirée or Merci, au revoir as you leave.

Common mistakes

Asking for la check or le bill. Use l'addition. You may also hear la note, especially at hotels.

Waving your hand or snapping your fingers. Eye contact and Excusez-moi are enough.

Assuming you must tip 15 to 20 percent. That is a U.S. custom, not a French one.

Speaking practice

Say l'addition, s'il vous plaît three times, then turn it into a question with on pourrait avoir. Practice answering Par carte ou en espèces ? both ways. Finish with a thank-you and a goodbye.

Before the check comes the meal: see how to order food at a restaurant in French.

Try speaking practice with feedback at Saystep. You can also practice this article's dialogue on your own, without an app.