How to Ask About Tracking a Package in French
Learn to ask 'Can I track this package?' in French, say and understand tracking numbers, and handle common delivery questions politely.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When you send or expect a parcel in a French-speaking country, you will often need to ask whether it can be tracked and where to find the tracking number. This lesson gives you the exact phrases for asking 'Can I track this package?', requesting a tracking number, and understanding the reply. You will practise standard French used in post offices, online chats and phone calls, with notes on polite forms and regional differences.
By the end, you can…
- ask whether a package can be tracked in French.
- ask for and understand a tracking number (numéro de suivi).
- use polite forms when speaking to a postal clerk or customer service agent.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Est-ce que je peux suivre ce colis ?
Can I track this package?
ess-kuh zhuh puh swee-vruh suh koh-lee
Standard, neutral way to ask. 'Est-ce que' makes it a clear question; 'ce colis' means 'this parcel/package'.
Puis-je suivre ce colis ?
May I track this package?
pweezh swee-vruh suh koh-lee
More formal; use with a clerk, in writing, or when you want to sound especially polite. Inversion of 'je peux'.
Je voudrais le numéro de suivi, s'il vous plaît.
I would like the tracking number, please.
zhuh voo-dreh luh noo-may-roh duh swee-vee, seel voo pleh
Very common and polite. 'Numéro de suivi' is the standard term for a tracking number in France.
Où est-ce que je trouve le numéro de suivi ?
Where do I find the tracking number?
oo ess-kuh zhuh troov luh noo-may-roh duh swee-vee
Useful when the number is not obvious, for example in an email or on a receipt.
Le colis est-il suivi ?
Is the package tracked?
luh koh-lee ay-teel swee-vee
Formal inversion. In everyday speech you may also hear 'Est-ce que le colis est suivi ?'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask whether something can be tracked, use 'Est-ce que je peux suivre… ?' followed by the item: 'Est-ce que je peux suivre ce colis ?' (Can I track this package?), 'Est-ce que je peux suivre ma commande ?' (Can I track my order?). To ask for the number itself, use 'Je voudrais le numéro de suivi' or 'Vous pouvez me donner le numéro de suivi ?'. The key noun is 'le numéro de suivi'; 'suivi' comes from the verb 'suivre' (to follow/track).
When to use it
Use the 'Est-ce que' form in ordinary conversation and online chat; it is correct and natural. Use inversion ('Puis-je… ?', 'Le colis est-il suivi ?') with postal staff, in formal emails, or when you want extra politeness. Add 's'il vous plaît' when making a request. In Canada, 'numéro de repérage' is also used for a tracking number, especially by some carriers, while 'numéro de suivi' is widely understood.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, est-ce que je peux suivre ce colis ?
Hello, can I track this package?bon-zhoor, ess-kuh zhuh puh swee-vruh suh koh-leeOui, bien sûr. Vous avez le numéro de suivi ?
Yes, of course. Do you have the tracking number?wee, byan sewr. voo-zah-vay luh noo-may-roh duh swee-veeNon, je ne le trouve pas. Où est-ce que je peux le trouver ?
No, I can't find it. Where can I find it?nohn, zhuh nuh luh troov pah. oo ess-kuh zhuh puh luh troo-vayIl est dans l'e-mail de confirmation. Vous pouvez me le donner, s'il vous plaît ?
It's in the confirmation email. Can you give it to me, please?eel ay dan luh-email duh kon-feer-mah-syon. voo poo-vay muh luh doh-nay, seel voo plehA little context goes a long way
In France, 'colis' is the usual word for a parcel, while 'paquet' often suggests a smaller packet. Postal clerks appreciate a short 'Bonjour' before your question; starting directly with a request can sound abrupt. In Canada, you may hear 'numéro de repérage' alongside 'numéro de suivi', and customer service may switch to English in bilingual areas.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Est-ce que je peux traquer ce colis ?'
Try this instead: 'Traquer' means to hunt or stalk, not to track a parcel. Use 'suivre': 'Est-ce que je peux suivre ce colis ?' For the number, say 'le numéro de suivi', not 'le numéro de traque'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely ask a postal clerk, 'Can I track this package?'
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que je peux suivre ce colis ?
This is the standard neutral question. 'Puis-je suivre ce colis ?' is also correct and more formal.
2What is the usual French term for a tracking number in France?
Show a sample answer
le numéro de suivi
'Numéro de suivi' is standard in France. In Canada, 'numéro de repérage' is also used and understood.
3Translate: 'I would like the tracking number, please.'
Show a sample answer
Je voudrais le numéro de suivi, s'il vous plaît.
'Je voudrais' is a polite way to say 'I would like'. Adding 's'il vous plaît' keeps the request courteous.
Use 'Est-ce que je peux suivre ce colis ?' to ask about tracking, and 'le numéro de suivi' for the tracking number. Add 's'il vous plaît' and start with 'Bonjour' for polite service interactions.
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