French Phrase
T'es prêt(e) à commander le dessert ?
Meaning
Literally, “Are you ready to order the dessert?” It’s a friendly way to check if the dining companion wants to move on to the sweet part of the meal. The phrase can be used whether the dessert is already decided or still being considered.
When to use
Use this informal question after the main course, when the server is about to bring the dessert menu or when you want to signal that you’re ready to finish the meal. It’s appropriate with friends, family, or a familiar server, but avoid it in very formal settings where a more polite form would be expected.
✦Grammar Breakdown
T'esprêt(e)àcommanderledessert?
Contraction T'es
« T'es » is the spoken contraction of « tu es » (you are). It’s common in informal conversation.
Adjective Agreement
« prêt » agrees with the speaker’s gender: « prêt » for a man, « prête » for a woman. The optional (e) shows both possibilities.
à + infinitive
The preposition « à » introduces an infinitive verb to express readiness or intention (e.g., « à commander » = to order).
Definite article le
« le » specifies a particular dessert that’s on the menu; use « la » if the dessert is feminine (e.g., « la tarte »).
Question Mark
In spoken French the intonation rises at the end; written French simply adds a question mark.
🗨In Conversation
T'es prêt(e) à commander le dessert ?
Are you ready to order dessert?
Oui, je vais prendre la tarte aux pommes.
Yes, I’ll have the apple tart.
✕Common Mistakes
T'es prêt à commander le dessert ?
If you’re speaking to a woman, you must add the e (prête) to match gender.
Tu es prêt à commander le dessert ?
While grammatically correct, it sounds too formal for casual dining; the contraction “T'es” is preferred.
T'es prêt(e) à commander le desserts ?
Dessert is singular; the plural form “desserts” would be incorrect here.
↔Alternatives
Es‑tu prêt(e) à commander le dessert ?
Are you ready to order the dessert?
Vous êtes prêt(e) à commander le dessert ?
Are you (plural/formal) ready to order the dessert?
On passe au dessert ?
Shall we move on to dessert?
Tu veux le dessert maintenant ?
Do you want dessert now?
Cultural Tip
In French restaurants, dessert is often served after coffee, and it’s polite to wait until everyone at the table has finished the main course before ordering. Asking “T'es prêt(e) à commander le dessert ?” shows attentiveness and keeps the pace of the meal smooth. In more formal restaurants, you might use the polite “Vous êtes prêt(e) …” or let the server suggest the dessert menu.