#283 Asking How to Use a Laundromat｜French Daily Life Phrases

When you are traveling for an extended period, studying abroad, or on a business trip, you may need to use a laundromat. However, washing machines and payment systems often vary from one location to another, so it is not uncommon to feel unsure when using a laundromat for the first time.

In such situations, asking a staff member or another customer for assistance can help you get started without any difficulty.

In this article, I will explain useful French expressions for asking how to use a laundromat, along with important grammar points.

Dialogue

A

Excusez-moi, comment utilise-t-on les machines à laver dans cette laverie ?
（Excuse me, how do you use the washing machines in this laundromat ?）

B

Vous mettez votre linge ici, puis vous choisissez un programme.
（You put your laundry here, then choose a program.）

A

Comment puis-je payer ?
（How can I pay ?）

B

Vous pouvez payer par carte bancaire ou en espèces.
（You can pay by credit card or in cash.）

A

D’accord. Merci beaucoup.
（Okay. Thank you very much.）

1. Asking How to Use the Washing Machines

When using a laundromat, the first thing you may want to do is confirm how the washing machines work.

The word “comment” means “how” and is used to ask about a method or procedure.

The form “utilise-t-on” is an inverted question formed with the verb “utiliser” (to use) and the pronoun “on.”

The inserted “-t-” helps make the pronunciation smoother. In French, when a verb ending in a vowel is followed by a pronoun beginning with a vowel, a linking “-t-” is often added in inverted questions.

The pronoun “on” is an indefinite subject pronoun that is commonly used to express general actions or instructions. Grammatically, it takes a third-person singular verb form, which is why the verb appears as “utilise.”

In addition, “machine à laver” means “washing machine,” while “laverie” means “laundromat.” In this sentence, “les machines à laver” is plural because it refers to the washing machines in the laundromat in general.

2. Receiving Instructions

In the dialogue, the other person explains how to use the washing machine.

The verb “mettez” comes from “mettre” (to put or place). In this context, it means “to put laundry into the machine.”

The adverb “ici” means “here.” It refers to the location where the laundry should be placed.

Similarly, “choisissez” comes from the verb “choisir” (to choose), and “un programme” refers to a washing program or cycle.

The word “puis” means “then” or “after that.” It is commonly used when explaining a sequence of actions, especially when giving instructions for operating equipment or following a process.

Using “puis” allows you to express a natural sequence such as “first do A, then do B.”

3. Confirming the Payment Method

Some laundromats accept only cash, while others accept only card payments. For this reason, I recommend confirming the payment method in advance.

The word “comment” means “how.” In this sentence, it is used to ask about the method of payment.

The form “puis-je” is the inverted form of “je peux” (I can), which comes from the verb “pouvoir” (can, to be able to). Unlike most inverted forms, French does not use “peux-je.” Instead, the fixed expression “puis-je” is used.

The verb “payer” means “to pay” and is frequently used when discussing payment options.

The most common expressions for payment methods are:

One important point to remember is that “espèces” is always used in the plural form when referring to cash.

Summary