French Phrase
Approche ta carte maintenant.
Meaning
This is an informal command telling someone to bring their payment card close to a reader right away. It is often heard at self‑service kiosks, vending machines, or when a cashier asks the customer to present the card for contactless payment.
When to use
Use this phrase at a point‑of‑sale where a card reader is waiting, especially in casual settings such as cafés, metro ticket machines, or when helping a friend use a payment terminal. It is informal, so keep it for friends, family, or staff you know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Approchetacartemaintenant
Imperative (2nd person singular)
‘Approche’ is the imperative form of the verb ‘approcher’ used for giving a direct command to ‘tu’.
Possessive adjective
‘ta’ agrees with the feminine singular noun ‘carte’ and means ‘your’ (informal).
Adverb of time
‘maintenant’ means ‘now’ and is placed after the object for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
Approche ta carte maintenant.
Bring your card close now.
D'accord, je la passe.
Okay, I’ll swipe it.
✕Common Mistakes
Approchez ta carte maintenant.
‘Approchez’ is the formal/plural imperative; using it with ‘ta’ (informal) creates a mismatch.
Approche maintenant.
In a payment context, French speakers usually say ‘carte bancaire’; omitting it can sound vague.
Maintenant, approche ta carte.
Placing ‘maintenant’ before the verb sounds unnatural; it should follow the object or be at the end.
↔Alternatives
Passe ta carte maintenant.
Swipe your card now.
Présente ta carte maintenant.
Present your card now.
Approchez votre carte maintenant.
Bring your card close now (formal/plural).
Mets ta carte près du lecteur.
Put your card near the reader.
Cultural Tip
In France, the term ‘carte bancaire’ is the usual way to refer to a debit or credit card. When speaking to strangers or staff, it’s more polite to use the formal imperative ‘Approchez votre carte…’. Also, French payment terminals often beep when the card is close enough, so the command is usually accompanied by a gesture toward the reader.