French Phrase
Utilise les cabines d'essayage.
Meaning
This is a polite but informal command telling someone to make use of the fitting rooms. It is commonly heard in clothing stores when staff direct customers to try on garments.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are a shop assistant or a friend giving a casual instruction inside a boutique, a department store, or any place that offers fitting rooms.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Utiliselescabinesd'essayage
Imperative (tu) of utiliser
The verb 'utiliser' forms the informal singular imperative by dropping the final -s, giving 'Utilise' for 'tu'.
Definite article 'les'
Used before a plural noun to refer to specific fitting rooms.
Partitive construction 'd'essayage'
The noun 'cabine' is followed by the prepositional phrase 'd'essayage' (of trying on) to specify the type of cabin.
🗨In Conversation
Où puis‑je essayer ces robes ?
Where can I try on these dresses?
Utilise les cabines d'essayage, s'il te plaît.
Use the fitting rooms, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Utilisez les cabines d'essayage.
Correct for formal 'vous' but not for informal 'tu' context; choose based on relationship.
Utilise la cabine d'essayage.
Mixes singular article with plural noun; either keep both singular or both plural.
Utilise les cabines d'essayer.
The noun should be 'essai**age**', not the infinitive verb 'essayer'.
↔Alternatives
Employez les cabines d'essayage.
Employ the fitting rooms.
Servez‑vous des cabines d'essayage.
Help yourself to the fitting rooms.
Prenez les cabines d'essayage.
Take the fitting rooms.
Cultural Tip
In French retail signage the singular form 'cabine d'essayage' is most common, but staff will often use the plural when addressing a group. The informal imperative 'Utilise' is suitable for a friendly tone; in a more formal setting you would say 'Utilisez les cabines d'essayage'.