A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Please" in French
The essential French word for 'please,' used in almost any polite request or interaction.
S'il vous plaît
seel voo PLEHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when asking for anything, from ordering food at a restaurant to asking for directions. It's also appropriate when receiving something, like when a waiter brings your order.
Alternatives
- S'il te plaîtUse this when speaking to someone you know well and address with 'tu'.
- PardonCan be used to get someone's attention politely, like 'excuse me'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 's' at the end
The final 's' in 'vous' is silent; don't pronounce it.
Forgetting the apostrophe
The apostrophe in 'S'il' is crucial; it's a contraction of 'Si il'.
Using 'please' alone
French requires a verb or a more complete phrase; 'please' by itself sounds abrupt.
A small cultural note
While 's'il vous plaît' is the universal standard, in very casual settings with friends, you might hear 's'il te plaît' or even just a gesture and a smile.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I use s'il vous plaît vs s'il te plaît?
Use 's'il vous plaît' with people you don't know well, elders, or in formal situations (the 'vous' form). Use 's'il te plaît' with friends, family, and children (the 'tu' form).
Can I just say 'please' in French?
No, you cannot directly translate 'please' as a standalone word. You need to use 's'il vous plaît' or 's'il te plaît' as part of a request.
What if I want to be extra polite?
You can add 'merci' (thank you) after your request, or use phrases like 'Je vous prie' for very formal situations, though 's'il vous plaît' is usually sufficient.
