A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "To go please" in French
The standard French phrase to ask for the bill at a restaurant, polite and universally understood.
L'addition, s'il vous plaît.
lah-dee-see-OHN, seel voo PLEHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
When you've finished your meal in a restaurant or café and want to signal to the server that you're ready to pay. It's the most direct and common way to ask for the check.
Alternatives
- Je voudrais l'addition, s'il vous plaît.Slightly more formal and polite, literally 'I would like the bill, please'.
- L'addition, svp.A common abbreviation used in writing or when speaking quickly, but 's'il vous plaît' is better for clarity.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'addition'
The 'ti' sounds like 'see', so it's 'ah-dee-see-OHN', not 'ah-dih-shun'.
Forgetting 's'il vous plaît'
Always add 's'il vous plaît' (or 's'il te plaît' in very casual settings) to be polite when asking for something.
A small cultural note
While 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît' is standard, some people might just say 'L'addition' with a gesture, especially if they have a very familiar relationship with the server. However, using the full phrase is always safe.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How do I ask for the bill in French?
The most common way is 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.' This directly translates to 'The bill, please.'
Is 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît' formal?
It's considered neutral and perfectly appropriate for all restaurant situations in France. It uses the polite 'vous' form.
Can I just say 'L'addition'?
You can, especially if the server is already familiar with you, but adding 's'il vous plaît' is always more polite and recommended for learners.
