How to Say ‘I would like a coffee, please.’ in French
Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.
zhuh voo-DRAY uhn ka-fay seel eel voo pleh
[zhuh voo-DRAY uhn ka-fay seel eel voo pleh]
Phrase Breakdown
Je voudrais
zhuh voo-DRAY
I would like
Polite way to ask for something in French.
Je voudrais de l'eau.
I would like some water.
Words in this phrase
Je
[zhuh]
I
The subject pronoun for speaking about yourself.
Je commence la phrase Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît. avec Je.
I start the sentence I would like a coffee, please. with Je.
voudrais
[voo-DRAY]
would like
A polite way to ask for something in a café.
Dans Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît., voudrais rend la demande polie.
In I would like a coffee, please., voudrais makes the request polite.
Un café
uhn ka-fay
A coffee
Refers to one coffee; in French, 'café' usually means a coffee drink.
Je prends un café.
I'll have a coffee.
Words in this phrase
un
[uhn]
a
An indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.
Dans Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît., un introduit café.
In I would like a coffee, please., un introduces coffee.
café
[ka-fay]
coffee
The drink being ordered.
Dans Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît., café est la boisson commandée.
In I would like a coffee, please., café is the drink ordered.
S'il vous plaît
seel eel voo pleh
Please
Standard polite phrase used in formal or respectful situations.
Un croissant, s'il vous plaît.
A croissant, please.
Words in this phrase
s'
[seel]
if
Part of the fixed polite phrase s'il vous plaît.
Dans Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît., s' commence la formule polie.
In I would like a coffee, please., s' begins the polite expression.
il
[eel]
he / it
Used inside the set phrase s'il vous plaît rather than translated separately.
Dans Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît., il fait partie de l'expression.
In I would like a coffee, please., il is part of the expression.
vous
[voo]
you
The polite form of 'you' used in service situations.
Dans Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît., vous montre la politesse.
In I would like a coffee, please., vous shows politeness.
plaît
[pleh]
please
Part of the common polite phrase used when asking for something.
Dans Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît., plaît complète la formule polie.
In I would like a coffee, please., plaît completes the polite phrase.
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 speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
What Learners Are Saying
“Moved to Lyon for a culinary apprenticeship. The food and restaurant scenarios 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