Whose turn is it? French phrases for queues and waiting

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated 19 October 2026 · About the library

Ask who is last in the queue, keep your place, let someone go first and politely point out a queue-jumper. Real French phrases from shops, markets and doctors' waiting rooms.

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In short

In France you often ask Qui est le dernier ? (Who's last?) when you join a queue, and staff call the next person with À qui le tour ? Answer C'est à moi (it's my turn) or C'est à monsieur (it's this gentleman's turn).

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Customers calmly waiting their turn at a French outdoor market vegetable stall, one newcomer asking who is last, seller behind produce, no signs price tags writing or labels. — Ask Qui est le dernier ? when joining the queue. Illustration: Atelier

Joining the queue

At a market stall there may be no visible line, so people ask.

YouBonjour. Qui est le dernier, s'il vous plaît ?Hello. Who's last, please?

Other customersC'est moi. Vous êtes après moi.It's me. You're after me.

YouD'accord, merci.OK, thanks.

When the seller calls

Other customersÀ qui le tour ?Whose turn is it?

YouC'est à moi, je crois.It's my turn, I think.

Other customersNon, pardon, c'était à moi, je suis arrivée avant.No, sorry, it was my turn, I arrived before.

YouAh, excusez-moi. Allez-y.Oh, sorry. Go ahead.

Letting someone go first

Very common with someone carrying one item.

YouVous n'avez qu'un article ? Passez devant.You've only got one item? Go in front.

Other customersC'est très gentil, merci !That's very kind, thanks!

YouJe vous en prie.You're welcome.

Keeping your place

YouPardon, vous pouvez garder ma place une minute ? J'ai oublié le lait.Sorry, could you keep my place for a minute? I forgot the milk.

Other customersOui, pas de souci.Yes, no problem.

Someone pushes in

Stay calm and factual; it usually works.

YouExcusez-moi, il y a une file d'attente. La fin est là-bas.Excuse me, there's a queue. The end is over there.

Other customersOh, pardon, je n'avais pas vu.Oh, sorry, I hadn't seen.

How do you ask whose turn it is in French?

In a doctor's or a hairdresser's waiting room, people sometimes say Bonjour to the whole room as they come in. If you're not sure who is next, ask Vous attendez le docteur Martin ? or Vous êtes avant moi ?