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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fr-sil-vous-plait

Ordering a croissant from a stranger, how do you politely say 'please' in French?

S'il vous plaît is the polite please.

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  1. S'il vous plaît ✔
  2. S'il te plaît
  3. Merci bien

Why: Both mean please, but s'il vous plaît uses vous, the polite form for strangers. S'il te plaît is for friends, family and kids.

Huh, didn't know that: Literally it means 'if it pleases you'. On signs and menus you may see it shortened to SVP.

The dad joke
Why did the croissant say s'il vous plaît? It was raised with good manners and lots of butter.
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References

Answer: S'il vous plaît. Both mean please, but s'il vous plaît uses vous, the polite form for strangers. S'il te plaît is for friends, family and kids.

  1. Larousse French-English: plaire www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais-anglais/plaire
    s'il te plaît, s'il vous plaît please s'il vous plaît ! [dit par un client] excuse me !
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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