French for Parcel Lockers: Changing the Screen Language
Learn to switch a parcel locker screen to French and ask staff for help when you can't find the language button.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When you pick up a parcel from a locker in a French-speaking area, the screen may default to English or another language. This lesson teaches you how to ask for French, say you can't find the button, and get help from staff. You'll practice three key phrases: 'en français', 'en anglais', and 'changer la langue'. These are practical for any automated screen, not just lockers.
By the end, you can…
- ask to switch a screen to French using 'en français'.
- say I can't find the language button.
- ask a staff member for help with the screen language.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
On peut mettre en français ?
Can we switch it to French?
ohn puh meh-truh ahn frahn-SEH
Use this to ask if the screen can be changed to French. 'On' is neutral and common in speech.
Je ne trouve pas le bouton.
I can't find the button.
zhuh nuh troov pah luh boo-TON
Say this when you're looking for the language option but don't see it.
Comment on change la langue ?
How do you change the language?
koh-mahn ohn shahnzh lah lahng
A direct question to ask staff or anyone nearby for instructions.
C'est en anglais, je voudrais le français.
It's in English, I'd like French.
seh tahn ahn-GLEH, zhuh voo-DREH luh frahn-SEH
Use this to state the current language and your preference politely.
Vous pouvez m'aider ?
Can you help me?
voo poo-VEH meh-DEH
A general polite request for assistance from staff.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To talk about a language, use 'en' + language: 'en français', 'en anglais', 'en espagnol'. To ask to change something, use 'mettre en' + language: 'On peut mettre en français ?' This pattern works for screens, documents, or settings. For example: 'Je veux mettre mon téléphone en français.' Note that 'en' is used for languages, while 'à' is used for cities: 'à Paris'.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you're at a parcel locker and the screen is not in French. Start with 'On peut mettre en français ?' if you're asking about the possibility. If you're looking for the button, say 'Je ne trouve pas le bouton.' If you need to ask a staff member, use 'Comment on change la langue ?' or 'Vous pouvez m'aider ?' These are polite and neutral, suitable for strangers. Avoid 'Je veux' (I want) as it can sound demanding; 'Je voudrais' is softer.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Excusez-moi, le locker est en anglais. On peut mettre en français ?
Excuse me, the locker is in English. Can we switch it to French?eks-koo-ZEH mwah, luh lo-KEHR eh tahn ahn-GLEH. ohn puh meh-truh ahn frahn-SEH?Oui, normalement il y a un bouton en haut à droite. Vous le voyez ?
Yes, normally there's a button at the top right. Do you see it?wee, nor-mal-MAHN eel yah uhn boo-TON ahn oh ah drwaht. voo luh vwa-YEH?Non, je ne trouve pas le bouton. Comment on change la langue ?
No, I can't find the button. How do you change the language?nohn, zhuh nuh troov pah luh boo-TON. koh-mahn ohn shahnzh lah lahng?Appuyez sur la roue en haut à droite, puis choisissez « Français ».
Press the gear icon at the top right, then choose “French”.ah-pwee-YEH sewr lah roo ahn oh ah drwaht, pwee shwah-zee-SEH frahn-SEHA little context goes a long way
In France, automated screens often default to French, but in tourist areas or international chains they may start in English. It's perfectly fine to ask for French. Using 'on' instead of 'je' can sound more inclusive and less direct. In Canada, especially Quebec, language choices may include both French and English, and signage is often bilingual. Always use 'vous' with staff unless you know them well.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Je veux changer en français' (I want to change to French).
Try this instead: While understandable, 'Je veux' can sound abrupt. Use 'Je voudrais changer en français' or 'On peut mettre en français ?' for a softer, more polite request. Example: 'Je voudrais mettre l'écran en français, s'il vous plaît.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask if the screen can be switched to French?
Show a sample answer
On peut mettre en français ?
This uses 'on peut' (can we) + 'mettre en' (switch to) + 'français'. It's a polite and common way to ask. You could also say 'Est-ce qu'on peut mettre en français ?' for a more formal tone.
2What do you say if you can't find the language button?
Show a sample answer
Je ne trouve pas le bouton.
This directly states you can't find the button. You could specify 'le bouton de langue' (the language button) if needed. Another option: 'Je ne vois pas le bouton.'
3How would you ask a staff member how to change the language?
Show a sample answer
Comment on change la langue ?
This asks 'how do you change the language?' You could also ask 'Comment changer la langue ?' which is slightly more formal. Both are correct.
Use 'en français' to specify the language, 'On peut mettre en français ?' to ask for the switch, and 'Je ne trouve pas le bouton' when you're stuck. These phrases work for any screen, not just lockers.
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