L'addition, s'il vous plaît
The check, please
Language note: Pronounced 'lad-ee-syon, seel voo pleh'.
Culture note: In France, you usually have to ask for the check instead of having it brought automatically.
Context: You've finished your meal and now you are ready to leave.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
L'
[l]
The
The definite article, used here as part of 'the bill'.
Je voudrais L'addition, s'il vous plaît.
I would like the bill, please.
addition
[a-dee-see-ohn]
bill/check
The statement of the total amount owed for a meal.
Pourrions-nous avoir L'addition, s'il vous plaît ?
Could we have the bill, please?
s'
[s]
please (formal)
Used to politely ask for something.
Pourriez-vous apporter L'addition, s'il vous plaît ?
Could you bring the bill, please?
il
[il]
he
Used as a pronoun here in the polite request structure.
Est-ce qu'il peut nous apporter L'addition, s'il vous plaît ?
Can he bring the bill, please?
vous
[voo]
you (formal)
A formal pronoun for 'you' in polite contexts.
Je voudrais l'addition, s'il vous plaît.
I would like the bill, please.
plaît
[pleh]
pleases
Third person singular form of 'plaire', meaning to please.
Cela vous plaît, l'addition, s'il vous plaît.
That pleases you, the bill, please.
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