French expression · updated July 11, 2026

commander

To command / to orderTo order (food, drinks, anything you buy)

Commander means 'to order' — food at a restaurant, drinks at a café, or a package online. It looks like the English 'command', which is exactly how to remember it: you politely command your order. 'Nous aimerions commander' ('we'd like to order') is the phrase that gets a French waiter's attention.

Sketch illustrating the French expression commander

Where you'll hear it

Maxime

Excusez-moi, nous aimerions commander.

Excuse me, we'd like to order.

Serveur

Bien sûr! Sur place ou à emporter ?

Of course! For here or to go?

Éva

Sur place, s'il vous plaît.

Here, please.

Maxime

Est-ce qu'on peut s'asseoir dehors?

Can we sit outside?

Serveur

Je vous écoute. Qu'aimeriez-vous commander ?

I'm listening. What would you like to order?

From the lessonDîner au restaurant 🍜Read the full dialogue

How it shows up

  1. On peut commander une pizza ce soir ?

    Can we order a pizza tonight?

  2. J'ai commandé un café en terrasse.

    I ordered a coffee on the terrace.

  3. Tu as déjà commandé le dessert ?

    Have you already ordered dessert?

Go deeper

How French People Actually Speak: Textbook vs Real French