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French Phrase

Cette place est prise ?

/sɛt plaːs ɛ pʁiz/
Meaning"Is this seat taken?"
💡

Meaning

Literally, 'Is this seat taken?' It is used to check whether a particular seat or spot is already occupied before you sit down or claim it.

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When to use

Use this phrase in cafés, restaurants, trains, buses, theaters, or any crowded place when you want to make sure a seat is free before sitting down.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Cetteplaceestprise?

1

Cette (demonstrative adjective)

Used before a feminine singular noun to point out something specific, matching gender and number.

2

place (noun)

A feminine noun meaning 'seat' or 'spot'.

3

est (être, 3rd person singular)

The present tense of the verb 'to be', linking the subject to its description.

4

prise (past participle as adjective)

The past participle of 'prendre' used as an adjective; it agrees in gender and number with the noun (feminine singular → prise).

5

Question formation

In spoken French, a simple declarative sentence can become a question by raising intonation; no inversion is needed here.

🗨In Conversation

A

Cette place est prise ?

Is this seat taken?

Non, elle est libre. Vous pouvez vous asseoir.

No, it's free. You can sit down.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Cette place est pris ?

    The past participle must agree with the feminine noun 'place', so it should be 'prise', not 'pris'.

  • Cette place est prends ?

    ‘Prends’ is the present tense of ‘prendre’; the correct form here is the past participle used as an adjective.

  • Cette place est prise.

    Missing the question intonation or punctuation; add a rising tone or a question mark to make it a question.

↔Alternatives

  • Est‑ce que cette place est prise ?

    Is this seat taken?

  • Cette place est‑elle prise ?

    Is this seat taken?

  • Il y a quelqu’un ici ?

    Is someone there?

  • Cette place est libre ?

    Is this seat free?

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Cultural Tip

In French‑speaking countries it’s considered polite to ask before taking a seat, especially in public transport or busy cafés. The word 'place' can refer to a seat, a spot in a line, or even a parking space, so the context determines the nuance. Using a rising intonation makes the question sound friendly and informal.