French Phrase
Comment on lit ce plan de la station ?
Meaning
The sentence asks for instructions on how to read or interpret the map of a particular station, typically a metro or train station. It is a polite, neutral way to request help from staff or fellow travelers.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are standing in a French‑speaking station and the layout map looks confusing. It works equally well with metro, train, or bus terminals, and can be directed at station staff, a fellow passenger, or a local guide.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Commentonlitceplandelastation?
Comment
Interrogative adverb meaning 'how'. It introduces a question about manner or method.
on
Impersonal pronoun equivalent to 'one' or 'people' in English; used to ask a general question.
lit
Third‑person singular present of the verb lire (to read). With 'on' it means 'one reads' or 'does one read'.
ce
Demonstrative adjective meaning 'this' or 'that', agreeing in gender and number with the noun that follows.
plan
Masculine noun meaning 'map' or 'layout'.
de la station
Prepositional phrase indicating possession: 'of the station'.
🗨In Conversation
Comment on lit ce plan de la station ?
How does one read this station map?
Il faut d’abord repérer les lignes en couleur, puis suivre les flèches qui indiquent les sorties et les correspondances.
First you locate the colored lines, then follow the arrows that show the exits and connections.
✕Common Mistakes
Comment tu lis ce plan de la station ?
Using "tu" makes the question informal and personal; the impersonal "on" is preferred for a neutral request.
Comment on lire ce plan de la station ?
The infinitive "lire" cannot be used directly after "on"; you need the conjugated form "lit".
Comment on lit ce carte de la station ?
If the map is feminine (e.g., "la carte"), you must use "cette" instead of "ce".
↔Alternatives
Comment lire ce plan de la station ?
How to read this station map?
Comment se lit ce plan de la station ?
How is this station map read?
Comment comprendre ce plan de la station ?
How to understand this station map?
Cultural Tip
In French public transport, maps are usually colour‑coded by line and include symbols for elevators, escalators, and ticket machines. When asking for help, adding "s’il vous plaît" (please) or "merci" (thank you) makes the request sound courteous. In some regions, especially in the south of France, you might hear "Comment on lit ce plan ?" pronounced with a slightly softer "on" (like "on" → "œ̃").