A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "After you" in French
The essential French phrase 'Après vous' means 'after you' and is used to show politeness when holding a door or letting someone go first.
Après vous.
ah-PREH vooneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're holding a door open for someone, letting them enter a room before you, or stepping aside to let them pass. It's a common courtesy in everyday situations.
Alternatives
- Je vous en prie.Can also mean 'after you', but more commonly 'you're welcome' or 'please'.
- Allez-y.More direct, like 'go ahead'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 's' in 'après'
The 's' in 'après' is silent; it's not pronounced like 'ap-press'.
Using 'toi' instead of 'vous'
Unless you know the person well and use 'tu' with them, always use 'vous' for politeness.
A small cultural note
While 'Après vous' is standard, sometimes a simple nod or gesture suffices in very informal, quick interactions, especially among younger people or in busy places.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say after you in French casually?
For very casual situations with friends, you might use 'Après toi.' However, 'Après vous' is always safe and polite.
Is 'Après vous' formal or informal?
It's considered neutral and polite, making it appropriate for most situations, including formal ones. It's the standard way to show courtesy.
What if someone says 'Après vous' to me?
You should respond with 'Merci' (thank you) or 'Merci beaucoup' (thank you very much). You could also say 'C'est gentil' (that's kind).
