A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Could you write it down" in French
Politely ask someone to write something down in French, useful for directions or names.
Pourriez-vous l'écrire ?
pooh-ree-ay VOO la-eh-KREERformal
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need someone to jot down information for you, like a street name, a phone number, or a reservation detail. It's a clear and polite way to request written confirmation.
Alternatives
- Est-ce que vous pouvez l'écrire ?Slightly less formal than the conditional, but still polite.
- Tu peux l'écrire ?Use this only with friends or children you know well.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'r'
The French 'r' is guttural, made in the back of the throat, not rolled or tapped like in English.
Silent 'e' at the end
The final 'e' in 'écrire' is silent; don't pronounce it.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I use 'l'écrire' vs 'écrire ça'?
'L'écrire' is used when referring to something already mentioned or understood. 'Écrire ça' is more direct, like 'write that down'.
How to ask someone to write down a name specifically?
You can say 'Pourriez-vous écrire mon nom ?' (Could you write my name?) or 'Pourriez-vous écrire le nom de l'hôtel ?' (Could you write the hotel's name?).
What if I don't know if they can write it?
You can add 's'il vous plaît' (please) at the end for extra politeness, like 'Pourriez-vous l'écrire, s'il vous plaît ?'
