French Phrase
Regarde la liste au comptoir.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct instruction to someone to view a list that is located on a counter. It implies that the list contains important information that the person needs to see or consult. The tone is generally informal due to the use of 'Regarde' (the 'tu' form of the imperative).
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in informal settings, such as a small shop, a café, or a casual office environment, when you want to direct a friend, family member, or someone you're on familiar terms with to a list. For example, a barista might tell a colleague, 'Regarde la liste au comptoir' to check today's specials, or a shop owner might tell a regular customer to look at a price list.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Regardela listeau comptoir
Regarde (Imperative)
'Regarde' is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'regarder' (to look at/to watch). It's used to give a direct command or instruction to 'tu' (you, informal singular).
la liste (Feminine Noun)
'Liste' is a feminine noun meaning 'list'. It is preceded by the definite article 'la' because it's a specific list being referred to.
au comptoir (Prepositional Phrase)
'Au comptoir' is a contraction of 'à le comptoir'. 'À' means 'at' or 'to', and 'le comptoir' means 'the counter'. This phrase indicates the location of the list, specifically 'at the counter'.
🗨In Conversation
Je ne sais pas quel plat choisir.
I don't know which dish to choose.
Regarde la liste au comptoir, il y a les suggestions du jour.
Look at the list at the counter, there are today's specials.
✕Common Mistakes
Vois la liste au comptoir.
While 'voir' means 'to see', 'regarder' means 'to look at' or 'to watch'. For actively directing someone's gaze, 'regarder' is the correct verb.
Regarde la liste sur le comptoir.
Although 'sur' means 'on', 'au' (à + le) is more commonly used for 'at the counter' in the sense of being located there for consultation, especially in commercial contexts. 'Sur le comptoir' would imply literally on top of it, which is not wrong, but 'au comptoir' is more idiomatic for this context.
Regardez la liste au comptoir.
This is not grammatically wrong, but it changes the register. 'Regardez' uses the formal 'vous' form, whereas 'Regarde' uses the informal 'tu' form. The choice depends on your relationship with the person you're addressing.
↔Alternatives
Veuillez regarder la liste au comptoir.
Please look at the list at the counter.
Jetez un œil à la liste sur le comptoir.
Take a look at the list on the counter.
Consultez la liste au comptoir.
Consult the list at the counter.
Cultural Tip
In French, direct commands like 'Regarde' are common and not necessarily considered rude, especially among people who use 'tu' with each other. However, adding 's'il te plaît' (please) can soften the command. When addressing someone formally or in a professional setting, using 'Veuillez regarder...' or 'Pourriez-vous regarder...?' (Could you please look...?) is more appropriate. The use of 'au comptoir' is very typical for indicating something available or located at a service counter.