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Je Voudrais
Posted: Tue 28 Nov 2017 00:39
by Owens88
Hi
Is the phrase 'Je Voudrais ' commonly used when ordering in a café / restaurant?
I don't even say 'I would like' in the UK as the context makes it obvious and the server has already asked something akin to 'what would you like ?'.
J
Posted: Tue 28 Nov 2017 07:16
by Kate
As in English John, you can use it but it’s not necessary.
Un café svp in answer to a ‘what would you like’ question would be more natural than je voudrais un café.....but both are fine.
Posted: Tue 28 Nov 2017 19:07
by martyn94
There’s quite an amusing tutorial here
https://www.commeunefrancaise.com/blog/ ... ance-local
But it only scratches the surface.
Kate is right of course. But your question asks about cafés or restaurants. If you’re buying a coffee at a coffee time of day, “un café svp†is entirely sufficient. If the question is more open (eg three menus or à la carte or just a drink at lunch time) you might want to say more. I think I tend to say, eg, “je prends le menu à €15, svp†or whatever, but that is probably far too abrupt.
If you start with “bonjourâ€, (or a handshake or a bise if you are a regular), I doubt that anyone will much register what follows.