SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to At The Hotel

French Phrase

Combien de temps va prendre ma commande ?

/kɔ̃.bjɛ̃ də tɑ̃ va pʁɑ̃dʁ ma kɔ.mɑ̃d/
Meaning"How long will my order take?"
💡

Meaning

This phrase is used to inquire about the duration or estimated time for an order to be completed or delivered. It directly translates to "How much time will take my order?". It's a polite and common way to ask for an estimated waiting time in various service contexts.

🎯

When to use

You would use this phrase in situations where you are waiting for something you've ordered, such as food at a restaurant, a product at a store, or a delivery. It's appropriate for both in-person interactions and phone calls when you need an estimated waiting time.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Combien de tempsva prendrema commande

1

Combien de temps

This fixed expression literally means 'how much time' and is used to ask about duration. 'Combien de' is a common structure meaning 'how much/many of'.

2

Va prendre (Futur Proche)

This is the 'futur proche' (near future) construction, formed with the present tense of 'aller' (to go) followed by an infinitive verb. It's widely used in spoken French for actions that will happen soon or are planned.

3

Ma commande

'Ma' is a feminine singular possessive adjective meaning 'my', which agrees with 'commande' (order), a feminine noun. Remember to match the gender and number of the noun with the possessive adjective.

🗨In Conversation

A

Bonjour, je voudrais savoir, combien de temps va prendre ma commande ?

Hello, I'd like to know, how long will my order take?

Votre commande sera prête dans environ quinze minutes.

Your order will be ready in about fifteen minutes.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Combien de temps est ma commande?

    Using 'être' (est) is incorrect here; you need a verb that expresses the action of taking time, like 'prendre'.

  • Quel temps va prendre ma commande?

    'Quel temps' refers to the weather or general time of day, not duration. Use 'Combien de temps' for 'how long'.

  • Combien de temps ma commande prendra?

    While grammatically correct (future simple), 'va prendre' (futur proche) is more commonly used in spoken French for immediate or near future actions and sounds more natural.

↔Alternatives

  • Quel est le délai pour ma commande ?

    What is the timeframe for my order?

  • Quand est-ce que ma commande sera prête ?

    When will my order be ready?

  • Ça prendra combien de temps ?

    How long will it take? (More informal)

fr

Cultural Tip

In French culture, politeness is highly valued. Always start with a greeting like 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' and consider adding 's'il vous plaît' (please) when making a request, even if the phrase itself is direct. A polite tone and respectful demeanor are always appreciated in service interactions.