comptoir

counter, bar

noun kohmp-TWAR Rare

Also means

trading post

Usage Note

Comptoir is the physical counter or bar surface in a café, pharmacy, or shop — au comptoir means 'at the bar/counter'. Historically it also referred to a colonial trading post (comptoir colonial), a sense still found in historical contexts. The related verb compter (to count) shares the root; comptoir literally means a surface for counting money.

Examples

"Il commande un café au comptoir."

Natural Translation

He orders a coffee at the counter.

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