French for Pottery Studios: Asking 'C'est un modèle ou ma pièce?' and Identifying Your Work
Learn to ask if a piece is a studio model or your own, and use labels or marks to avoid mix-ups in a shared pottery studio.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In a communal pottery studio, finished pieces often look alike, especially after glazing. You need to confirm whether an object is a studio sample or your own work before you handle it or take it home. This lesson teaches you polite French questions to ask staff, how to refer to labels and marks, and how to clarify ownership without sounding accusatory. You will practice the exact phrase 'C'est un modèle ou ma pièce?' and build a small set of reusable patterns for similar situations.
By the end, you can…
- ask whether a piece is a studio model or my own work.
- ask where to find a label or mark on a piece.
- confirm that a piece belongs to me using a simple possessive phrase.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
C'est un modèle ou ma pièce ?
Is this a model (sample) or my piece?
say tœ̃.n‿y mo.dɛl u ma pjɛs
Use this when you are unsure whether an object is a studio example or your own work. The intonation rises at the end.
Est-ce qu'il y a une étiquette avec mon nom ?
Is there a label with my name?
ɛs.k‿il.j‿a yn e.ti.kɛt a.vɛk mɔ̃ nɔ̃
Ask this if you cannot see a label. 'Étiquette' is a small tag or sticker; 'mon nom' means 'my name'.
Où est-ce que je peux voir la marque ?
Where can I see the mark?
u ɛs.kə ʒə pø vwaʁ la maʁk
Use 'la marque' for a maker's mark, initials, or a stamped symbol on the bottom of a piece.
C'est bien ma pièce, n'est-ce pas ?
This is indeed my piece, isn't it?
sɛ bjɛ̃ ma pjɛs, nɛs pa
A polite way to confirm ownership. 'Bien' adds emphasis, like 'indeed'.
Je peux vérifier le dessous ?
May I check the bottom?
ʒə pø ve.ʁi.fje lə də.su
The bottom often has a signature or mark. Use this to ask permission before turning a piece over.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The question 'C'est un modèle ou ma pièce ?' uses a simple either/or structure: 'C'est' (it is) + option A + 'ou' (or) + option B. You can swap the options to fit other situations: 'C'est un prêt ou un achat ?' (Is it a loan or a purchase?), 'C'est pour cuire ou pour décorer ?' (Is it for firing or for decorating?). Keep the same rising intonation on the final option. To ask about a label, use 'Est-ce qu'il y a ... ?' (Is there ...?): 'Est-ce qu'il y a une étiquette ?' (Is there a label?). For location, use 'Où est ... ?' (Where is ...?): 'Où est la marque ?' (Where is the mark?).
When to use it
Use these questions when you are in a shared studio and cannot tell whether a piece is a studio sample or your own. For example, after glazing, many pieces look similar. Ask 'C'est un modèle ou ma pièce ?' before you pick something up. If the staff member points to a label, you can say 'Je peux voir l'étiquette ?' (May I see the label?). If you find your initials on the bottom, confirm with 'C'est bien ma pièce, n'est-ce pas ?'. Avoid touching other people's work without asking. These phrases are polite and clarifying, not confrontational.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, excusez-moi. C'est un modèle ou ma pièce ?
Hello, excuse me. Is this a model or my piece?bɔ̃.ʒuʁ, ɛks.ky.ze mwa. sɛ tœ̃.n‿y mo.dɛl u ma pjɛsBonjour. Je vérifie. Il y a une étiquette avec un nom. Vous vous appelez comment ?
Hello. Let me check. There is a label with a name. What is your name?bɔ̃.ʒuʁ. ʒə ve.ʁi.fi. il.j‿a yn e.ti.kɛt a.vɛk œ̃ nɔ̃. vu vu.z‿a.ple kɔ.mɑ̃Je m'appelle Claire. Est-ce que je peux voir l'étiquette ?
My name is Claire. May I see the label?ʒə ma.pɛl klɛʁ. ɛs.kə ʒə pø vwaʁ le.ti.kɛtOui, bien sûr. Là, c'est écrit 'Claire'. C'est bien votre pièce.
Yes, of course. There, it says 'Claire'. It is indeed your piece.wi, bjɛ̃ syʁ. la, sɛ.t‿e.kʁi klɛʁ. sɛ bjɛ̃ vɔtʁ pjɛsA little context goes a long way
In French studios, it is normal to ask staff before handling pieces, even your own, because pieces may be arranged for firing or display. Using 'vous' with staff is standard unless they invite 'tu'. The word 'modèle' often means a sample or example piece, not a commercial model. In some regions, 'une étiquette' may be called 'une pastille' for a small sticker, but 'étiquette' is widely understood. Avoid assuming that all studios use labels; some rely on marks or a shelf system. Always ask rather than guess.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'C'est mon pièce ?' with the masculine 'mon' before a feminine noun.
Try this instead: 'Pièce' is feminine, so use 'ma pièce': 'C'est ma pièce ?' (Is this my piece?). The same applies to 'une étiquette' (feminine): 'une étiquette', not 'un étiquette'. Remember: 'ma pièce', 'mon modèle' (modèle is masculine).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'Is this a model or my piece?' in French?
Show a sample answer
C'est un modèle ou ma pièce ?
This uses the either/or pattern with 'ou'. You can also ask 'Est-ce un modèle ou ma pièce ?' with slightly more formal inversion, but the 'C'est' version is common in speech.
2You see a small sticker with a name on a bowl. How do you ask to see it?
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que je peux voir l'étiquette ?
This politely asks permission to see the label. You could also say 'Je peux voir l'étiquette ?' in informal spoken French, but the 'Est-ce que' form is clearer for learners.
3You want to check the bottom of a piece for a mark. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Je peux vérifier le dessous ?
This asks 'May I check the bottom?'. 'Le dessous' means the underside. You could also say 'Je peux regarder le dessous ?' (May I look at the bottom?), which is equally polite.
Use 'C'est un modèle ou ma pièce ?' to avoid mix-ups, and always ask before handling. Look for an 'étiquette' or a 'marque', and confirm with 'C'est bien ma pièce, n'est-ce pas ?'.
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