French Phrase
Le parking est gratuit pour les invités ?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and polite way to inquire about the cost of parking, specifically whether it is complimentary for guests. It's used to confirm a service benefit, often in hospitality settings.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when arriving at a hotel, a restaurant, a private event, or any establishment where parking might be available and you want to know if there's a charge for it, especially if you are considered a guest or client.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Le parkingestgratuitpourles invités?
Le parking
'Le' is the definite masculine singular article. 'Parking' is a common anglicism used in French for 'car park' or 'parking lot.'
Est (être)
'Est' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'être' (to be), used here to describe the state of the parking.
Gratuit
This is an adjective meaning 'free' (without cost). It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies ('le parking' is masculine singular, so 'gratuit').
Pour
This preposition means 'for' and indicates the beneficiary of the free service.
Les invités
'Les' is the definite plural article. 'Invités' means 'guests' and is the plural form of 'invité.'
🗨In Conversation
Bonjour, nous avons une réservation. Le parking est gratuit pour les invités ?
Hello, we have a reservation. Is parking free for guests?
Oui, absolument. Vous pouvez vous garer au sous-sol.
Yes, absolutely. You can park in the basement.
✕Common Mistakes
Le parking est gratuitement pour les invités ?
Gratuitement is an adverb meaning 'for free,' but here we need the adjective 'gratuit' to describe 'le parking.'
Le parking est libre pour les invités ?
Libre means 'free' in the sense of 'available' or 'unoccupied,' not 'without cost.'
Le parking est gratuit aux invités ?
Pour (for) is the correct preposition to indicate the beneficiary of the free service.
↔Alternatives
Est-ce que le parking est inclus ?
Is parking included?
Le stationnement est-il gratuit ?
Is parking free? (more formal)
Y a-t-il un parking gratuit pour les clients ?
Is there free parking for customers/guests?
Cultural Tip
In France, parking can often be a challenge, especially in city centers, and it's rarely free. Asking directly about free parking for guests is common and expected. It's polite to use 'vous' (implied in the question structure) and a rising intonation for the question. Don't assume free parking, always ask.