#231 Requesting a Receipt in a Taxi｜French Daily Life Phrases

After taking a taxi during a business trip or while traveling, you may often need to obtain a receipt.

In particular, in business situations, a receipt is frequently required for expense reimbursement, making it important to request one appropriately and politely.

In this section, I will explain useful French expressions for requesting a receipt in a taxi, along with key grammatical points.

Dialogue

A

Pourriez-vous me donner un reçu ?
（Could you give me a receipt, please?）

B

Bien sûr. À quel nom dois-je établir le reçu ?
（Certainly. In whose name should I issue the receipt?）

A

Au nom de ABC Corporation, s’il vous plaît.
（In the name of ABC Corporation, please.）

B

Très bien. Le voici.
（Very well. Here it is.）

A

Merci beaucoup. Bonne journée !
（Thank you very much. Have a nice day!）

1. Requesting a Receipt

When you ask for a receipt in a taxi, it is important to use a polite expression.

The word “pourriez-vous” is the conditional form of the verb “pouvoir” (to be able to) in the second-person plural.

While “pouvez-vous” directly asks, “Can you…?”, “pourriez-vous” conveys a softer and more courteous tone, equivalent to “Could you…?” in English.

The conditional mood implies “if possible” or “if it would be convenient,” making it particularly appropriate when speaking to service providers such as taxi drivers, hotel staff, or store clerks.

In addition, “me donner” consists of the indirect object pronoun “me” (to me) and the verb “donner” (to give). Although it literally means “to give me a receipt,” it is naturally understood as “to provide me with a receipt.”

The term “un reçu” means “a receipt.” In certain contexts, “une facture” (an invoice or bill) may be used. However, when requesting proof of payment in a taxi, “reçu” is the most appropriate term to remember.

2. Confirming the Name on the Receipt

Since a receipt typically requires a name, the driver may ask the following question:

The expression “à quel nom” means “in whose name” and is commonly used when confirming the name for reservations, registrations, or official documents.

The word “quel” is an interrogative adjective meaning “which,” and “quel nom” translates to “which name.” In this context, the preposition “à” indicates the name under which the document is to be issued.

The phrase “dois-je” is an inverted form of the verb “devoir” (to have to), conveying obligation in a polite and formal manner. Combined with “établir le reçu,” it expresses the meaning: “In whose name should I prepare the receipt?”

3. Specifying the Name on the Receipt

When the receipt is being prepared, you can specify the name using the following expression:

The phrase “au nom de” means “in the name of.” Here, “au” is a contraction of “à + le.”

It is commonly used when specifying names on receipts, reservations, and official documents.

Although “à mon nom” and “au nom de” appear similar, their usage differs slightly.

In other words, use “à mon nom” for your own name and “au nom de” for a company or another person.

Summary