A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "One moment please" in French
Politely ask someone to wait for a moment in French, useful in shops, offices, or when interrupted.
Un instant, s'il vous plaît.
uh-nuh(n)-STAHN, seel voo PLEHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need someone to pause briefly, like when a shopkeeper is with another customer or you need to find something. It's a standard polite way to ask for a short delay.
Alternatives
- Un moment, s'il vous plaît.Very similar, slightly more direct than 'un instant'.
- Attendez une seconde.A bit more informal, best for people you know slightly or in very casual settings.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'instant'
The 't' at the end of 'instant' is silent, and the 'n' is nasalized.
Forgetting 's'il vous plaît'
Always add 's'il vous plaît' (or 's'il te plaît' if appropriate) to make it polite.
A small cultural note
While 'un instant' is very common, some might use 'un petit moment' for a slightly softer request.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How do I say 'just a second' in French?
You can say 'Un instant, s'il vous plaît.' This is the most common and polite way to ask someone to wait briefly.
When should I use 's'il vous plaît' vs 's'il te plaît'?
'S'il vous plaît' is for formal situations and people you don't know. Use 's'il te plaît' with friends, family, or children.
What if I'm in a very casual situation?
In a very casual setting with someone you know, you might just say 'Attends une seconde!' but 'Un instant' is always safe.
