s'il vous plaît

please

The French word 's'il vous plaît' literally translates as 'if it pleases you'. It is used in the same way as 'please' is used in English. Generally, it is put at the end of a request or question to make it polite. However, in informal situations, 's'il te plaît' (if it pleases you, informal) can be used. Also, it can be used in different contexts to say 'you're welcome' in response to 'thank you'.

Example sentences using: s'il vous plaît

S'il vous plaît, passez-moi le sel

Please pass me the salt

The context of this phrase could be used at a meal or dinner party when you are politely asking someone to pass you the salt.

S'il vous plaît, apportez-moi une tasse de café

Please, bring me a cup of coffee

This is a polite way to request something in French. It translates directly as 'If it pleases you, bring me a cup of coffee.' In English, we would commonly say 'Please bring me a cup of coffee.'

Où est la bibliothèque, s'il vous plaît?

Where is the library, please?

This is a way to politely ask for directions in French. In this context, 's'il vous plaît' is used at the end of the question to express politeness.

S'il vous plaît, pouvez-vous répéter cela?

Can you please repeat that?

This is how you could politely ask someone to repeat something they said in French, often to ensure you understood correctly.

Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, s'il vous plaît?

Could you speak slower, please?

This phrase would be useful when conversing with a native French speaker, particularly if they are speaking too quickly for you to understand.

S'il vous plaît, laissez-moi tranquille

Please, leave me alone

This is how to politely ask for solitude in French. While it is direct, the use of 's'il vous plaît' softens the request.

Pouvez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plaît?

Can you help me, please?

This is a polite way to ask for assistance in French. This can be used in various scenarios, such as when looking for directions or when needing help with a task.

S'il vous plaît, n'oubliez pas de prendre votre parapluie

Please, don't forget to take your umbrella

This is an example of how 's'il vous plaît' can be used to politely remind someone of something important.

S'il vous plaît, ne faites pas de bruit

Please, do not make noise

This phrase is used when you would like to request silence in a polite manner. It could be used in a library, during a meeting, or in a setting where noise is unwelcome.

Écoutez-moi, s'il vous plaît

Listen to me, please

This phrase is used when you want someone's undivided attention in French, often to make an important point or to give some crucial information.