🍽️❓🫵

How to Say ‘What can I get you?’ in French

Qu'est-ce que je vous sers ?

k eh suh kuh zhuh voo sehr

[k eh suh kuh zhuh voo sehr]

💬 Usage Tip: Qu'est-ce que is a fixed opener meaning "what" at the start of a question. Here sers comes from servir "to serve", so the question literally means "what do I serve you?"

🇫🇷 In France: This is the standard way a bartender or server opens. Reply with your order, ideally starting with Bonjour.

Phrase Breakdown

Qu'est-ce que

k eh suh kuh

What

Common question opener, pronounced 'kess-kuh'.

Example

Qu'est-ce que tu veux ?

What do you want?

Words in this phrase

Qu'

[k]

what

Shortened form of 'que', the question word 'what', used at the start of 'qu'est-ce qui/que'.

Example

Qu'est-ce que vous voulez ?

What do you want?

est

[eh]

Third person singular present of be.

Example

C'est important.

It is important.

-ce

[suh]

it (in 'est-ce que')

Part of the question formula 'est-ce que', which turns a statement into a yes/no question.

Example

Est-ce que vous êtes ouverts ?

Are you open?

que

[kuh]

that

Introduces the clause that follows after expressing a thought or opinion.

Example

Dans Je pense que, que relie l'opinion à l'idée suivante.

In "Je pense que," "que" links the opinion to the next idea.

je vous sers ?

zhuh voo sehr

can I get you?

From 'servir'. Literally 'do I serve you'. Waiters use this phrase.

Example

Je vous sers un café ?

Can I get you a coffee?

Words in this phrase

[zhuh]

Pronoun used by the speaker to identify themselves.

Example

Je suis content.

I am happy.

vous

[voo]

to you

Indirect object pronoun: the person receiving something.

Example

Je vous donne la monnaie.

I give you the change.

sers

[sehr]

serve

Form of 'servir' (to serve) used with 'je'; waiters use it to ask what you'd like.

Example

Je sers le café au comptoir.

I serve the coffee at the counter.

Guides for French learners

Ordering in French: Cafés, Bakeries and Restaurants (with Menu Vocabulary)How to order in French at a café, a bakery and a restaurant: the phrases, the questions staff ask, and the menu and food vocabulary to understand the answers.Hello in French: Greetings, Good Evening and How to Answer "How Are You?"How to say hello in French, when to switch to good evening, how to ask how are you and what to answer, with tu vs vous and native audio.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lyon for a culinary apprenticeship. The food and restaurant lessons were exactly what I needed — my French colleagues were genuinely impressed.”

Tom H., 38, Chef

“Studying in Paris and the academic French I learned in school was useless for daily life. This app filled the gap in weeks, not months.”

Nina W., 29, Graduate Student

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer