S'il vous plaît
Please
Language note: Literally means 'if it pleases you'.
Culture note: A crucial part of polite exchanges in France.
Context: The barista asks you for your order politely.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
S'
[seel]
If
A contraction of 'si le' (if he). It introduces a conditional clause.
S'il fait beau, nous sortirons.
If it's nice, we'll go out.
il
[eel]
he
Refers to a male person or animal already mentioned or easily identified.
Il est venu, et il était content.
He came, and he was happy.
vous
[voo]
you
Formal or plural form of 'you'; used in polite contexts.
Est-ce que vous pouvez m'aider, s'il vous plaît?
Can you help me, please?
plaît
[pleh]
pleases
To cause satisfaction or enjoyment.
Est-ce que cela vous plaît?
Does this please you?
Phrase Parts
S'il
If it
A contraction of 'si il', meaning 'if it'.
S'il arrive, dites-moi.
If he arrives, tell me.
vous
you (formal)
A formal way to refer to 'you' in French.
Je vous remercie.
I thank you.
plaît
pleases
A form of the verb 'plaire', meaning 'to please'.
Cela me plaît.
That pleases me.
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