s'il vous plaît

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العربية الفصحى
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/sil vu plɛ/
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A polite expression added to a request.
Practice using s'il vous plaît in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?
    Could you repeat that, please?
  • Deux billets, s'il vous plaît.
    Two tickets, please.
  • Un café, s'il vous plaît.
    A coffee, please.
  • Fermez la porte, s'il vous plaît.
    Close the door, please.
  • S'il vous plaît, où est la gare ?
    Please, where is the station?

Similar words

Meanings

Please

politeness
neutral
Used before or after a request to make it polite, especially when addressing one person formally or several people.

Examples

  • Un café, s'il vous plaît.
    A coffee, please.
  • Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?
    Could you repeat that, please?
  • S'il vous plaît, où est la gare ?
    Please, where is the station?
  • Deux billets, s'il vous plaît.
    Two tickets, please.
  • Fermez la porte, s'il vous plaît.
    Close the door, please.

Similar words

Etymology

Literally “if it pleases you”: s’ is short for si, il is “it”, vous is “you”, and plaît comes from plaire.

FAQ

What does s'il vous plaît mean?

In a request, it means please.

Where can it go in a request?

It can come before or after the request.

Is it used with one person?

Yes, when speaking politely or formally to one person.

Can it address several people?

Yes, vous also addresses a group.

What is the familiar form?

With one familiar person, say s'il te plaît.

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