French Phrase
Tu acceptes les cartes ?
Meaning
This question asks whether the listener accepts card payments, typically credit or debit cards, in a commercial setting. It’s informal because it uses the familiar 'tu' form.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re at a shop, restaurant, or market and want to know if you can pay with a card instead of cash. It’s appropriate with friends, peers, or any service staff you address informally.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuaccepteslescartes?
Subject pronoun 'tu'
Used for informal 'you' when speaking to a single person you know well.
Verb conjugation (present, 2nd person singular)
The verb 'accepter' is regular; add -es to the stem for 'tu' (j’accepte, tu acceptes, il accepte...).
Definite article 'les'
Plural definite article used before a plural noun; here it refers to 'cards' in general.
Interrogative intonation
Raising the pitch at the end of the sentence signals a yes/no question; the written form adds a question mark.
🗨In Conversation
Tu acceptes les cartes ?
Do you accept cards?
Oui, on accepte Visa, Mastercard et Amex.
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu accepter les cartes ?
The verb must be conjugated to match 'tu' (acceptes), not the infinitive.
Tu acceptes la carte ?
Use 'les cartes' (plural) for credit/debit cards; 'la carte' would refer to a single card.
Tu acceptes les cartes ? (to a stranger in a formal setting)
When speaking formally, replace 'tu' with 'vous'.
↔Alternatives
Vous acceptez les cartes ?
Do you accept cards? (formal/plural)
Est-ce que vous prenez les cartes ?
Do you take cards?
On peut payer par carte ?
Can we pay by card?
Cultural Tip
In France, many small cafés and markets still prefer cash, so it’s polite to ask before pulling out your wallet. Using 'tu' signals familiarity; with strangers or in more formal establishments, switch to 'vous'. Also, note that some places only accept certain card brands, so specifying the brand can be helpful.