French Phrase
L'addition est bonne ?
Meaning
Literally, “The bill is good?” It is a casual way to ask the server if the total on the check is correct or acceptable. In practice it checks for any mistake or confirms that the amount is what the customer expects.
When to use
Use this phrase at the end of a meal when you want to verify that the amount on the receipt matches what you ordered, especially in a relaxed setting with friends or family. It is less formal than asking "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" (May I have the bill?).
✦Grammar Breakdown
L'additionestbonne?
L' (la)
Definite article "la" contracts to "l'" before a vowel or mute h; it remains feminine.
addition
Feminine noun meaning "the bill" or "the check" in a restaurant context.
est
Third‑person singular present of the verb "être" (to be).
bonne
Feminine form of the adjective "bon"; must agree with the feminine noun "addition".
? (question mark)
In spoken French the intonation rises at the end; written form uses a space before the question mark in formal typography, but most learners write it directly after the word.
🗨In Conversation
L'addition est bonne ?
Is the bill okay?
Oui, tout est correct. Vous pouvez payer quand vous voulez.
Yes, everything is correct. You can pay whenever you like.
✕Common Mistakes
L'addition est bon ?
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun "addition"; use "bonne".
La addition est bonne ?
Before a vowel, "la" contracts to "l'".
L'addition bonne ?
Never omit the verb "être"; the sentence needs a linking verb.
↔Alternatives
L'addition est correcte ?
Is the bill correct?
Le total est bon ?
Is the total okay?
C'est bon pour l'addition ?
Is it all right for the bill?
Cultural Tip
In French restaurants the most common request is "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" to ask for the check. Directly questioning the bill with "L'addition est bonne ?" is informal and usually used among acquaintances to double‑check for errors. Remember that "bonne" must stay feminine; using the masculine "bon" would be considered a grammatical slip.