How to Say ‘Please’ in French
S'il te plaît
💬 Usage Tip: Polite way to make a request.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
S'
[see]
if (contraction in “s’il”)
S’ is the contracted form of “si” before “il”: s’il = if he/it. In the fixed polite phrase: s’il te plaît.
S' il te plaît, pas de spoilers !
Please, no spoilers!
il
[eel]
he / it
Part of the set phrase “s’il te plaît” (literally “if it pleases you”) meaning “please” (informal).
S’il te plaît, il ne faut pas me spoiler.
Please, you mustn’t spoil me.
te
[tuh]
to you (informal singular)
Indirect object pronoun for “you” (tu). Used in informal speech with friends.
S’il te plaît, dis-le te à personne.
Please, don’t tell anyone.
plaît
[pleh]
pleases / likes
From “plaire” (to please). In “s’il te plaît,” it forms the informal “please.”
S’il te plaît, attends que je voie l’épisode.
Please, wait until I see the episode.
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