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How to Say ‘Can I have dessert?’ in French

Je peux prendre un dessert ?

zhuh puh prahn-dr uhn day-sehr

[zhuh puh prahn-dr uhn day-sehr]

🇫🇷 In France: This is understandable, but many locals would more naturally say [Je vais prendre un dessert] or [Je voudrais un dessert]. Asking [Je peux... ?] can sound a little like asking permission.

Phrase Breakdown

Je

[zhuh]

I

Used when speaking for yourself while ordering.

Example

À la fin du repas, je demande : Je peux prendre un dessert ?

At the end of the meal, I ask: Can I have a dessert?

peux

[puh]

can

Polite way to ask for permission or make a request.

Example

Quand j'ai encore faim, je dis : Je peux prendre un dessert ?

When I’m still hungry, I say: Can I have a dessert?

prendre

[prahn-dr]

to have / to take

Used for ordering food or drinks.

Example

Avant de commander, je demande : Je peux prendre un dessert ?

Before ordering, I ask: Can I have a dessert?

un

[uhn]

a / an

Masculine singular indefinite article.

Example

Je regarde la carte et je demande : Je peux prendre un dessert ?

I look at the menu and ask: Can I have a dessert?

dessert

[day-sehr]

dessert

Sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.

Example

Après le plat, je demande : Je peux prendre un dessert ?

After the main dish, I ask: Can I have a dessert?

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