PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🙏

How to Say ‘Please’ in French

S'il vous plaît

seel eel voo pleh

[seel eel voo pleh]

💬 Usage Tip: The [s'] in [s'il] is joined onto [il]; you do not say [si il]. The whole phrase [s'il vous plaît] is fixed, so learn it as one polite chunk.

Phrase Breakdown

S'

[seel]

if

Part of the fixed polite expression s'il vous plaît, literally if it pleases you.

Example

S'il vous plaît, notez que S' commence cette expression polie.

Please note that S' begins this polite expression.

il

[eel]

he

In this phrase, il is part of the fixed expression s'il vous plaît rather than a literal he in everyday meaning.

Example

Dans S'il vous plaît, il fait partie d'une formule polie.

In please, il is part of a polite formula.

vous

[voo]

you

The formal or plural form of you, used here for politeness.

Example

Je vous remercie après la réservation.

I thank you after the booking.

plaît

[pleh]

pleases

From plaire, to please; in this set phrase it helps mean please.

Example

Plaît apparaît dans l'expression polie S'il vous plaît.

Plaît appears in the polite expression please.

Guides for French learners

The Best App to Learn French: An Honest ComparisonDuolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, Busuu, italki and PrettyFluent compared for learning French: what each is best at, how you pay, and which fits your goal.French Conversation for Beginners: 5 Everyday Dialogues You'll Actually UseFive short French conversations for beginners, from greeting a neighbour to booking a restaurant, with translations, native audio and the phrases that keep them going.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lyon for a culinary apprenticeship. The food and restaurant scenarios were exactly what I needed — my French colleagues were genuinely impressed.”

Tom H., 38, Chef

“Studying in Paris and the academic French I learned in school was useless for daily life. This app filled the gap in weeks, not months.”

Nina W., 29, Graduate Student

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer