French Phrase
La caisse automatique est par là.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone that the self‑service checkout (or automatic cash register) is located nearby, often used when directing a shopper in a store. It is a simple statement of location.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are helping a customer or a friend find the self‑checkout area in a supermarket, department store, or any venue that offers an automatic payment station.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lacaisseautomatiqueestparlà
Definite Article (La)
‘La’ is the feminine singular definite article, used before feminine nouns like ‘caisse’.
Noun Gender (caisse)
‘caisse’ (cash register, checkout) is a feminine noun, so it takes ‘la’.
Adjective Agreement (automatique)
‘automatique’ is an adjective that does not change form for gender or number; it follows the noun it modifies.
Verb ‘être’ (est)
‘est’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘être’, used to describe location or identity.
Expression of Location (par là)
‘par là’ means ‘over there’ or ‘that way’; it is a colloquial way to point to a nearby place.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, où est la caisse automatique ?
Excuse me, where is the self‑checkout?
La caisse automatique est par là.
The self‑checkout is over there.
✕Common Mistakes
La caisse automatique sont par là.
Do not use ‘sont’ because the subject ‘caisse’ is singular.
La caisse automatique est à là.
‘Par là’ is informal; in a very formal context you might prefer ‘se trouve ici‑bas’. Avoid using ‘à là’ which is incorrect.
La automatique caisse est par là.
The adjective must stay after the noun; ‘automatique caisse’ is ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
La caisse automatique se trouve par là.
The self‑service checkout is located over there.
Vous pouvez trouver la caisse automatique ici‑bas.
You can find the self‑checkout down here.
C’est par là que se trouve la caisse automatique.
That’s where the self‑checkout is.
Cultural Tip
In French stores, the term ‘caisse automatique’ is common in larger supermarkets and hypermarkets. When pointing, French speakers often use a hand gesture together with ‘par là’ to make the direction clear. In more formal settings, you might hear ‘la caisse en libre‑service’ instead of ‘caisse automatique’.