In French, je veux (I want) can sound too direct. For polite requests, use je voudrais (I would like).
Ordering items
Use je voudrais followed by a noun to ask for items. Remember to add s'il vous plaît (please).
Note: In a French restaurant, un menu is a fixed-price set meal, while une carte is the menu you read to choose individual dishes.
| I would like the set menu, please. | Je voudrais le menu, s'il vous plaît. |
| Hello sir, I would like the menu, please. | Bonjour Monsieur, je voudrais la carte, s'il vous plaît. |
| I would like a carafe of water, please. | Je voudrais une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît. |
Requesting actions
Follow je voudrais with an infinitive verb (its dictionary form) to say you would like to do something.
| I would like to reserve a table for two. | Je voudrais réserver une table pour deux. |
| I would like to reserve a hotel room for one night. | Je voudrais réserver une chambre d'hôtel pour une nuit. |
| I would like to pay the bill, please. | Je voudrais payer l'addition, s'il vous plaît. |
Adding extra politeness
To soften a request even more, add est-ce que c'est possible ? (is it possible?) to the end of your sentence.
| I would like to pay now, is it possible? | Je voudrais payer maintenant, est-ce que c'est possible ? |
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