French Phrase
Comment je fais pour demander un arrêt ?
Meaning
Literally, 'How do I do to ask for a stop?' It is an informal way to ask someone how to request a stop, typically on a bus, tram or train.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are on public transport and need to know the procedure for signalling that you want to get off at the next stop, or when you are unsure how to request a pause in a service.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Commentjefaispourdemanderunarrêt?
Comment
Question word meaning 'how' used to ask about manner or method.
je fais
First‑person singular of faire; here it forms a colloquial way to ask 'how do I do...'.
pour + infinitif
The preposition 'pour' followed by an infinitive expresses purpose: 'to' or 'in order to'.
demander
Infinitive verb meaning 'to ask' or 'to request'.
un arrêt
Noun meaning 'a stop' – can refer to a bus stop or the act of stopping.
🗨In Conversation
Comment je fais pour demander un arrêt ?
How do I ask for a stop?
Il suffit d’appuyer sur le bouton rouge au-dessus de la porte.
Just press the red button above the door.
✕Common Mistakes
Comment je fais pour demander un arrêt ?
The colloquial 'Comment je fais' is acceptable in spoken French, but learners often over‑correct to the more formal 'Comment faire pour…' or 'Comment puis‑je…'.
Je veux demander un arrêt.
If you mean 'to ask for the location of a bus stop', you should say 'demander où est l’arrêt' instead of 'demander un arrêt'.
↔Alternatives
Comment demander un arrêt ?
How to request a stop?
Comment puis‑je demander un arrêt ?
How can I request a stop?
Comment faire pour demander un arrêt ?
How to do it to request a stop?
Cultural Tip
In French public transport, the usual way to signal a stop is to press the red 'stop' button or pull the cord. The word 'arrêt' can also refer to the physical bus stop (l’arrêt de bus), so context matters. This phrase is informal; in a more formal setting you might say 'Comment puis‑je demander l’arrêt ?'.