French Phrase
La machine à billets est par là.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "The machine for tickets is by there." It's a common and direct way to indicate the location of a ticket machine, often used when giving directions. The "par là" emphasizes a general direction rather than a precise spot.
When to use
You would use this phrase when someone asks for the location of a ticket machine, typically in a train station, metro station, or bus stop. It's a helpful phrase for travelers needing to purchase tickets for public transport or events.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lamachineàbilletsestparlà
La
This is the feminine definite article, meaning "the." "Machine" is a feminine noun in French, hence "La machine."
machine à billets
This is a compound noun meaning "ticket machine." The preposition "à" is used here to indicate purpose or function, literally "machine for tickets."
est
This is the third-person singular form of the verb "être" (to be). It's used here to indicate location, similar to "is" in English.
par là
This idiomatic expression means "over there" or "that way." It indicates a general direction or a location that is not immediately next to the speaker.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez-moi, où est la machine à billets ?
Excuse me, where is the ticket machine?
La machine à billets est par là.
The ticket machine is over there.
✕Common Mistakes
Le machine à billets est par là.
Machine is feminine in French, so it requires the feminine definite article 'La'.
La machine à billets est ici.
'Ici' means 'here,' while 'par là' means 'over there' or 'that way,' indicating a slightly more distant or general direction.
La machine de billets est par là.
'À billets' is the correct construction for 'ticket machine' (literally 'machine for tickets'), not 'de billets'.
↔Alternatives
Elle est là-bas.
It's over there.
C'est par ici.
It's this way.
Cultural Tip
In France, ticket machines are ubiquitous in public transport hubs. While "par là" is direct, it's always polite to add "s'il vous plaît" (please) when asking for directions and "merci" (thank you) afterwards. French people appreciate politeness, even in quick interactions.