French Phrase
On a besoin d'une chaise haute.
Meaning
This sentence means “We need a high chair.” It is commonly used by parents or caregivers when they need a chair that raises a child to table height, especially for feeding.
When to use
Use this phrase in a household or restaurant setting when you’re asking for a high chair for a baby or toddler, or when you’re discussing equipment needed for a child’s meals.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onabesoind'unechaisehaute
On (impersonal pronoun)
"On" is used like "we" or "one" in everyday French; it’s less formal than "nous" and often replaces it in spoken language.
Avoir besoin de + noun
The verb phrase "avoir besoin de" means "to need" and always requires the preposition "de" before the noun or infinitive.
Contraction d' + vowel
When "de" is followed by a word beginning with a vowel or mute h, it contracts to "d'" (e.g., "d'une").
Gender agreement
"Chaise" is feminine, so the adjective "haute" must agree in gender and number (feminine singular).
Indefinite article "une"
Use "une" for a singular feminine noun when the item is not previously identified.
🗨In Conversation
On a besoin d'une chaise haute pour le bébé.
We need a high chair for the baby.
Je vais en chercher une dans le placard.
I’ll get one from the cupboard.
✕Common Mistakes
On a besoin une chaise haute.
The construction "avoir besoin" always requires the preposition "de" before the noun.
On a besoin de une chaise haute.
When "de" is followed by a vowel, it contracts to "d'"; writing "de une" is incorrect.
On a besoin d'un chaise haute.
"Chaise" is feminine, so the article must be "une" and the adjective "haute" must agree.
↔Alternatives
Nous avons besoin d'une chaise haute.
We need a high chair.
Il nous faut une chaise haute.
We need a high chair.
J'ai besoin d'une chaise haute.
I need a high chair.
Cultural Tip
In French homes, a "chaise haute" is a staple for feeding infants and toddlers. Restaurants often have a dedicated high‑chair area, and it’s polite to ask the staff for one before seating a child. Note that "chaise haute" can also refer to a tall bar stool, so context matters.