How Do You Say 'Please' In French?

Question

How Do You Say 'Please' In French?

3 Answers

Answer Question

Answer 1

In French, please is either s'il vous plaît or s'il te plaît, depending on how well you know the person you're saying it to. The literal translation is: "If it pleases you."

When To Use S'il Vous Plaît

To people you've never met before
When addressing more than one person
To people older than you
To people superior to you in a professional or educational environment
To people in a position of greater power than yourself
To anyone to whom you want to seem formal and polite

When To Use S'il Te Plaît

To those younger than you
To family
To friends
To others on online game services, such as Xbox LIVE or PSN.

This is the general rule for when to "tutoyer" and when to "vousvoyer," but don't worry too much if you get it wrong occasionally. If you're learning French as a second language, most people will be understanding of any little mistakes, and will just be pleased that you're trying your best!
Pronunciation Guide

S'il vous plaît - sill voo play
S'il te plaît - sill tuh play

Answer 2

S'il vous plait-this is used in formal speaking or when addressing a large group of people or persons in authority of you.

S'il te plait-this is used when addressing people you know very well for example friends

Answer 3

"S'il vous plaît" is the formal way of saying "please" in French. The informal way of saying "please" is "S'il te plaît." hope this helps