French Phrase
Le change est au guichet 3.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone that the currency exchange service is located at counter number three. It’s a typical directional phrase you’d hear in banks, airports, or train stations.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to direct a customer or a traveler to the right counter for exchanging money, especially in public service areas with multiple service windows.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lechangeestauguichet3
Definite article (Le)
Le is the masculine singular definite article, used before masculine nouns like 'change' (money exchange).
Noun (change)
In this context, 'change' means 'currency exchange' or 'exchange office', not 'change' as in alteration.
Verb être (est)
Est is the third person singular present of être, used to state location.
Preposition au
Au = à + le, meaning 'at the' for masculine singular nouns.
Noun (guichet)
Guichet means 'counter' or 'window' in a bank, post office, or service area.
Number as a label
The numeral '3' identifies the specific counter; numbers are often spoken as 'trois' but written as digits in signage.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, où se trouve le change ?
Excuse me, where is the currency exchange?
Le change est au guichet 3.
The currency exchange is at counter 3.
✕Common Mistakes
Le change est à le guichet 3.
Combine 'à' and 'le' into the contraction 'au'.
Le change est au guichet trois.
Both forms are correct, but on signage the numeral is preferred; avoid mixing numeral and word in the same sentence.
Le change sont au guichet 3.
The verb must agree with the singular noun 'change' (est, not sont).
↔Alternatives
Le bureau de change est au guichet 3.
The exchange office is at counter 3.
Vous trouverez le change au guichet trois.
You will find the exchange at counter three.
Le service de change se situe au guichet 3.
The exchange service is located at counter 3.
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking countries, signs for service counters often use the word 'guichet' followed by a number. When speaking, you can say the number as a word (trois) or repeat the digit for clarity, especially in noisy environments like airports. Politeness matters: start with 'Excusez‑moi' or 'Pardon' before asking for directions.