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French Phrase

C'est pour combien de personnes ?

/sɛ puʁ kɔ̃.bjɛ̃ də pɛʁ.sɔn/
Meaning"How many people is it for?"
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Meaning

This phrase is a common and polite way to ask about the number of people in a group, typically when making a reservation or being seated. It literally translates to "It is for how many of people?" but is understood as "How many people is it for?".

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When to use

You'll use this phrase most often in service settings, such as when arriving at a restaurant, booking a table, or inquiring about tickets for an event. It's a standard question asked by staff to determine seating or capacity needs.

✦Grammar Breakdown

C'estpourcombien depersonnes?

1

C'est

This is a very common contraction of 'ce est' (it is). It's used to introduce a subject or to identify something, often at the beginning of a sentence.

2

pour

'Pour' means 'for' or 'in order to'. In this context, it indicates the purpose or recipient of something, i.e., 'for how many people'.

3

combien de

'Combien de' means 'how many of'. It's crucial to include 'de' after 'combien' when it's followed by a noun, regardless of whether the noun is singular or plural.

4

personnes

'Personnes' means 'people'. It's a feminine plural noun. Note that in French, 'personne' can also mean 'nobody' when used with 'ne... personne'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Bonjour, une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît.

Hello, a table for two, please.

C'est pour combien de personnes ?

How many people is it for?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • C'est pour combien personnes ?

    Always use 'de' after 'combien' when referring to a quantity of something, like 'combien de personnes'.

  • Combien de personnes c'est pour ?

    While understandable, the word order is less natural. The standard construction places 'C'est pour' at the beginning for this type of question.

↔Alternatives

  • Pour combien de personnes ?

    For how many people?

  • Vous êtes combien ?

    How many are you? (Informal)

  • Combien de personnes êtes-vous ?

    How many people are you? (More formal)

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Cultural Tip

In France, directness in service interactions is common, and this phrase is perfectly polite and expected. While 'vous êtes combien?' is also used, 'C'est pour combien de personnes ?' is a very standard and slightly more formal way for staff to ask. Always use 'vous' (the formal 'you') when addressing service staff unless invited to use 'tu'.