French for the Repair Café: Labeling Parts So You Can Reassemble Later
Learn French vocabulary and phrases to label dismantled parts, ask for masking tape, and sequence your actions clearly.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When you take something apart at a repair café, keeping track of which screw goes where is half the battle. In French, you'll need to talk about labeling parts, asking for tape, and describing the order of your actions. This lesson gives you the essential words and sentence patterns to do exactly that, so you can work confidently alongside French-speaking volunteers.
By the end, you can…
- name common items for labeling parts in French.
- ask for masking tape and say I will label each part.
- use sequencing words like 'd'abord' and 'ensuite' to describe my process.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je vais mettre une étiquette sur chaque pièce.
I'm going to put a label on each part.
zhuh vay metr ewn ay-tee-ket sewr shak pyess
Use this to state your intention clearly. 'Pièce' can mean a part or component.
Vous avez du ruban ?
Do you have any tape?
voo za-vay doo roo-bahn
A simple yes/no question. 'Ruban' alone often means masking tape in this context; for other tapes, specify 'ruban adhésif' (adhesive tape) or 'ruban de masquage' (masking tape).
D'abord, je numérote les pièces.
First, I number the parts.
dah-bor, zhuh noo-may-rot lay pyess
Use 'd'abord' to start a sequence. 'Numéroter' means to number.
Ensuite, je mets une étiquette sur chaque vis.
Then, I put a label on each screw.
ahn-sweet, zhuh may ewn ay-tee-ket sewr shak veess
Use 'ensuite' to continue the sequence. 'Vis' is a screw.
Est-ce que je peux emprunter du ruban de masquage ?
Can I borrow some masking tape?
ess-kuh zhuh puh ahn-proon-tay doo roo-bahn duh mass-kazh
A polite way to ask to borrow. 'Emprunter' means to borrow.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To talk about labeling, use the structure 'mettre une étiquette sur' + object. For example: 'Je mets une étiquette sur la pièce.' (I put a label on the part.) You can replace 'la pièce' with other nouns: 'sur la vis' (on the screw), 'sur le boulon' (on the bolt), 'sur le câble' (on the cable). To talk about numbering, use 'numéroter' + object: 'Je numérote les pièces.' (I number the parts.) Remember that 'pièce' is feminine, so use 'la pièce' or 'une pièce'.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you are at a repair café and need to keep track of parts. Start with 'd'abord' to say what you do first, then 'ensuite' for what comes next. For example: 'D'abord, je numérote les pièces. Ensuite, je mets des étiquettes.' If you need materials, ask 'Vous avez du ruban ?' or more specifically 'Vous avez du ruban de masquage ?' If you want to borrow, say 'Est-ce que je peux emprunter du ruban ?' These are practical, polite ways to communicate.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, je vais démonter ce grille-pain. Vous avez du ruban de masquage ?
Hello, I'm going to take apart this toaster. Do you have masking tape?bon-zhoor, zhuh vay day-mon-tay suh gree-pan. voo za-vay doo roo-bahn duh mass-kazhOui, il y en a sur l'établi. Vous allez étiqueter les pièces ?
Yes, there's some on the workbench. Are you going to label the parts?wee, eel ee ahn ah sewr lay-tah-blee. voo za-lay ay-tee-kuh-tay lay pyessOui. D'abord, je numérote les pièces, ensuite je mets une étiquette sur chaque vis.
Yes. First, I number the parts, then I put a label on each screw.wee. dah-bor, zhuh noo-may-rot lay pyess, ahn-sweet zhuh may ewn ay-tee-ket sewr shak veessTrès bien. Si vous avez besoin d'autre chose, demandez-moi.
Very good. If you need anything else, ask me.tray byan. see voo za-vay buh-zwan dotr shoz, duh-mahn-day-mwaA little context goes a long way
In France, 'ruban de masquage' is the standard term for masking tape, but in everyday speech many people just say 'ruban' or 'scotch' (though 'scotch' often refers to clear tape). In Canada, 'ruban à masquer' is common. At repair cafés, volunteers are usually patient and helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for clarification or repeat yourself. Using 'vous' is standard with strangers; if you're working with a regular volunteer, they might suggest using 'tu'.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Je vais étiqueter sur chaque pièce' (literally 'I will label on each part').
Try this instead: The verb 'étiqueter' is transitive; it takes a direct object without 'sur'. Say 'Je vais étiqueter chaque pièce' or 'Je vais mettre une étiquette sur chaque pièce.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'First, I number the parts' in French?
Show a sample answer
D'abord, je numérote les pièces.
This uses 'd'abord' for sequencing and the verb 'numéroter' correctly conjugated for 'je'. You could also say 'Tout d'abord, je numérote les pièces' for emphasis.
2What is the French term for 'masking tape'?
Show a sample answer
le ruban de masquage
This is the standard term in France. In Canada, you might hear 'ruban à masquer'. In casual speech, 'ruban' alone can suffice.
3Translate: 'Then, I put a label on each screw.'
Show a sample answer
Ensuite, je mets une étiquette sur chaque vis.
This uses 'ensuite' for sequencing and the structure 'mettre une étiquette sur'. 'Vis' is feminine, so 'chaque vis' is correct.
Labeling parts in French is straightforward: use 'mettre une étiquette sur' and 'numéroter', sequence with 'd'abord' and 'ensuite', and ask for 'ruban de masquage' when you need tape. Practice these patterns to keep your repair organized.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s French into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr