Answers
Apr 13, 2011 - 05:00 PM
Here's my take, which has nothing to do with translation...or France directly. If I'm trying to get a server's attention in the U.S., I'll say "Excuse me miss/ma'am/sir"...(until I see their name tag or they introduce themselves, then use their name) I think saying "waiter!" or "waitress!" is a bit rude because it's impersonal, addresses the person by their job rather than them, no matter the language. Same with a bus driver, taxi driver, etc. So when I was in Paris, I used "monsieur" and "mademoiselle".
Apr 24, 2011 - 08:37 PM
"Paris for Dummies" also advises not to use "garcon" when addressing the waiter, so I plan to avoid it when I go to France
Apr 25, 2011 - 07:58 AM
Hi.
In French, it is no longer considered polite to address a waiter with "garçon", rather, it is preferred that one use "Monsieur". Also, there is a big difference between the word "garcon" and the word "garçon"(One of them is an insult). :)
In French, it is no longer considered polite to address a waiter with "garçon", rather, it is preferred that one use "Monsieur". Also, there is a big difference between the word "garcon" and the word "garçon"(One of them is an insult). :)