🪑🆓❓

How to Say ‘Is the chair free?’ in French

La chaise est libre ?

lah shez eh LEE-bruh

[lah shez eh LEE-bruh]

🇫🇷 In France: In a packed bar for a big match, asking before grabbing an empty chair is expected, even if it looks unused.

Phrase Breakdown

La chaise

lah shez

The chair

Say 'lah SHEZ'. The final E is silent, so the word ends on a buzzing Z sound.

Example

La chaise est confortable.

The chair is comfortable.

Words in this phrase

[lah]

the (feminine singular)

Definite article used before a feminine singular noun.

Example

La réservation est déjà confirmée pour samedi soir.

The reservation is already confirmed for Saturday evening.

chaise

[shez]

chair

A feminine noun for a seat with a back, for one person.

Example

Prends une chaise, s'il te plaît.

Take a chair, please.

est libre ?

eh LEE-bruh

is free?

Say 'eh LEE-bruh' with a rising tone to ask a question. 'Libre' here means available, not free of charge.

Example

Cette place est libre ?

Is this seat free?

Words in this phrase

est

[eh]

Third person singular present of be.

Example

C'est important.

It is important.

libre

[LEE-bruh]

free / available

Adjective meaning not busy, available.

Example

Je suis libre ce soir.

I'm free tonight.

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