How to Say ‘If it's not too much trouble, I'd prefer a cup.’ in French
Si ce n'est pas trop embêtant, je préférerais une tasse.
see suh n eh pah troh ahn-beh-TAHN zhuh pray-fay-ruh-RAY ewn TAHSS
[see suh n eh pah troh ahn-beh-TAHN zhuh pray-fay-ruh-RAY ewn TAHSS]
Phrase Breakdown
Si ce n'est pas
see suh n eh pah
If it's not
A polite conditional opener. Keep it light and quick: 'si s'nè pa'.
Si ce n'est pas trop tard, je viens.
If it's not too late, I'll come.
Words in this phrase
Si
[see]
if
A condition or supposition.
Si tu le vois, dis-lui bonjour.
If you see him, say hello.
ce
[suh]
this / that
Demonstrative adjective used before a masculine singular noun, like ce tir.
Ce match est fou !
This match is crazy!
n'
[n]
not
Shortened form of 'ne' used in negation before a vowel.
Il n'y a plus rien ici.
There is nothing left here anymore.
est
[eh]
is
Third person singular present of be.
C'est important.
It is important.
pas
[pah]
not (negation)
Second part of negation in “ne… pas.” Together: “Don’t worry.”
Ne t’inquiète pas, je ne dis rien.
Don’t worry, I’m not saying anything.
trop embêtant,
troh ahn-beh-TAHN
too much trouble,
Link 'trop' and 'embêtant' smoothly, then pause briefly at the comma.
Ce n'est pas embêtant du tout.
It's no trouble at all.
Words in this phrase
trop
[troh]
too
Used to say there is an excessive amount or degree.
C'est trop cher dans cette boutique.
It's too expensive in this shop.
embêtant
[ahn-beh-TAHN]
annoying / bothersome
Informal adjective from 'embêter', to bother.
C'est un peu embêtant.
It's a bit annoying.
je préférerais
zhuh pray-fay-ruh-RAY
I would prefer
This conditional softens the request. Say 'pré-fé-re-rè'.
Je préférerais rester ici.
I would prefer to stay here.
Words in this phrase
je
[zhuh]
I
Pronoun used by the speaker to identify themselves.
Je suis content.
I am happy.
préférerais
[pray-fay-ruh-RAY]
would prefer
Conditional of « préférer », a polite way to state a preference.
Je préférerais du thé.
I would prefer tea.
une tasse.
ewn TAHSS
a cup.
This is the object of the preference. Use a falling intonation to end the sentence.
Il boit une tasse de thé.
He drinks a cup of tea.
Words in this phrase
une
[ewn]
a / an
An indefinite article used before feminine singular nouns.
Une rencontre comme celle-ci peut ouvrir des portes.
A meeting like this can open doors.
tasse
[TAHSS]
cup
A feminine noun for a cup, the kind used for coffee or tea.
Une tasse de café, s'il vous plaît.
A cup of coffee, please.
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