How to Say ‘Please’ in French
S'il vous plaît
seel eel voo pleh
[seel eel voo pleh]
💬 Usage Tip: In [s'il vous plaît], the [l] links into the next word, so it sounds like one flow: (seel voo pleh).
Phrase Breakdown
S'
[seel]
if
Part of the polite expression s'il vous plaît, literally built from if it pleases you.
S'il vous plaît, un moka sans sucre.
Please, a mocha without sugar.
il
[eel]
he / it
In this expression, il means it, as part of the fixed phrase s'il vous plaît meaning please.
S'il vous plaît, je voudrais un latte.
Please, I would like a latte.
vous
[voo]
you
The formal or plural form of you in French; here it adds politeness in the expression s'il vous plaît.
S'il vous plaît, vous avez du lait d'avoine ?
Please, do you have oat milk?
plaît
[pleh]
pleases
From plaire, to please; part of the fixed polite phrase s'il vous plaît meaning please.
S'il vous plaît, un americano bien chaud.
Please, a very hot Americano.
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