Phrasebook
French phrases at the dry cleaner: stains, fabrics and collection
Drop off clothes at a French pressing: describe a stain, ask about delicate fabrics and prices, and agree a collection day. Real phrases with a practice filter.
- A2
- 13 phrases
- 4 situations
- Learn this in the A2 notebook →
In short
At le pressing, say what the item is, what the problem is and when you need it: J'ai une tache de vin sur cette chemise. Elle sera prête quand ? Keep le ticket to collect your things.
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1
Dropping off
YouBonjour, je voudrais faire nettoyer ce costume et cette robe.Hello, I'd like to have this suit and this dress cleaned.
Dry cleanerTrès bien. C'est pour un nettoyage simple ?Fine. Is it for a standard clean?
YouOui, et la chemise, juste un repassage.Yes, and the shirt just needs ironing.
2
Describing a stain
Point to it and say what it is: une tache de café, de vin, de graisse, d'encre.
YouIl y a une tache de vin rouge ici, sur la manche.There's a red wine stain here, on the sleeve.
Dry cleanerElle date de quand ?When did it happen?
YouD'hier soir. Vous pensez pouvoir l'enlever ?Last night. Do you think you can remove it?
Dry cleanerJe vais essayer, mais je ne peux rien garantir.I'll try, but I can't guarantee anything.
3
Delicate fabrics
YouAttention, la robe est en soie.Be careful, the dress is silk.
Dry cleanerPas de souci, on a un traitement spécial pour la soie. C'est un supplément de cinq euros.No problem, we have a special treatment for silk. There's a five-euro supplement.
4
Collection
YouCe sera prêt quand ?When will it be ready?
Dry cleanerJeudi après-midi. Voici votre ticket.Thursday afternoon. Here's your ticket.
YouJe peux payer maintenant ou au retrait ?Can I pay now or when I collect?
Dry cleanerAu retrait, comme vous voulez.When you collect, as you like.
What do you say at a French dry cleaner?
| French | English |
|---|---|
| une tache | a stain |
| la soie / la laine / le coton / le lin | silk / wool / cotton / linen |
| un trou | a hole |
| un bouton manquant | a missing button |
| une retouche | an alteration |
| le retrait | collection |
Many French pressings also offer retouches (alterations): Vous pouvez raccourcir ce pantalon ? (Can you shorten these trousers?). Prices are usually per item, and an express service (service express) costs more.