French Phrase
C'est pour deux.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "It is for two." It's a very common and versatile expression used to indicate that something is intended for two people. While simple, its usage is highly contextual, often implying 'two people' without explicitly stating 'personnes'.
When to use
You'll most frequently use "C'est pour deux" when making a reservation, ordering a table at a restaurant, or indicating the quantity of something (like a ticket or a portion) for two individuals. It's a concise way to convey the number of people involved in a situation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estpourdeux
C'est
'C'est' is a contraction of 'ce' (it/this/that) and 'est' (is). It's an impersonal construction used for general statements, identifications, or when referring to an unspecified 'it'.
pour
'Pour' is a preposition meaning 'for'. It indicates purpose, destination, duration, or recipient. In this context, it signifies 'intended for' or 'on behalf of'.
deux
'Deux' is the French word for the number 'two'. It's a cardinal number and remains unchanged regardless of the gender or number of the noun it refers to, though it can act as a pronoun here, implying 'two people'.
🗨In Conversation
Bonjour, vous avez une table disponible?
Hello, do you have a table available?
Oui, bien sûr. C'est pour deux?
Yes, of course. Is it for two?
✕Common Mistakes
Il est pour deux.
While 'il est' also means 'it is', 'c'est' is used for general statements, identifications, or when referring to an unspecified 'it'. 'Il est' is typically used with adjectives or when referring to a specific, previously mentioned masculine noun.
C'est à deux.
Using 'à' instead of 'pour' changes the meaning to 'it's at two' (referring to a time or location) or 'it belongs to two', which is incorrect in this context. 'Pour' correctly indicates purpose or recipient.
↔Alternatives
Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît.
A table for two, please.
Nous sommes deux.
We are two.
Pour deux personnes.
For two people.
Cultural Tip
In French culture, directness is often appreciated in transactional situations like ordering food or making requests, but always coupled with politeness markers like 's'il vous plaît' (please) and 'merci' (thank you). While "C'est pour deux" is direct, adding a 's'il vous plaît' makes it perfectly polite and appropriate in most settings, especially in restaurants.