“S'il te plaît” is a commonly used French expression that translates to “please”. In this article, we will look into the translation, spelling, and examples of how this phrase is used in everyday sentences.
Translation
The phrase “S'il te plaît” directly translates to “if it pleases you”. It is a polite way to ask someone to do something. In French, “s'il” is a contraction of “si” (if) and “il” (it), “te” means “you,” and “plaît” is derived from the verb “plaire” (to please).
Spelling and Grammar
The spelling of “S'il te plaît” combines several elements of French grammar:
- S'il: This contraction stands for “si” (if) and “il” (it). In French, contractions are common and help in forming smoother, more fluid sentences.
- Te: This pronoun means “you” and is used when speaking to someone informally.
- Plaît: This is the third person singular form of the verb “plaire,” which means “to please.”
Combining these parts, “S'il te plaît” literally means “if it pleases you,” but it is used to mean “please.”
Examples of “S'il te plaît” in Sentences
Here are some examples of how “S'il te plaît” is used in everyday French sentences:
-
Requesting an object: “Passe-moi le sel, s'il te plaît.”
(Pass me the salt, please.) -
Asking for help: “Peux-tu m'aider avec ce devoir, s'il te plaît ?”
(Can you help me with this homework, please?) -
Polite inquiry: “Où est la gare, s'il te plaît ?”
(Where is the train station, please?) -
Requesting action: “Ferme la fenêtre, s'il te plaît.”
(Close the window, please.) -
Asking for information: “Peux-tu me dire l'heure, s'il te plaît ?”
(Can you tell me the time, please?)
Understanding and using “S'il te plaît” correctly is essential for polite conversation in French, especially in informal settings.
10 Exercises with “s'il te plaît”
Exercise 1
Translate the following sentence into French: “Please pass me the salt.”
Exercise 2
Create a dialogue between two friends where one of them is asking for a favor using “s'il te plaît”.
Exercise 3
Write a short paragraph about asking for directions in French, including the phrase “s'il te plaît”.
Exercise 4
Conjugate the verb “donner” in the imperative form and use it in a sentence with “s'il te plaît”.
Exercise 5
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “s'il te plaît”: “________, peux-tu m'aider avec mes devoirs?”
Exercise 6
Imagine you are at a French café. Write a polite request to the waiter using “s'il te plaît”.
Exercise 7
Transform the following sentence to include “s'il te plaît”: “Peux-tu fermer la fenêtre?”
Exercise 8
Write a sentence using “s'il te plaît” to ask someone to speak more slowly in French.
Exercise 9
Use “s'il te plaît” in a sentence to ask a friend to accompany you to the store.
Exercise 10
Create a polite request in French for someone to lend you a book, using “s'il te plaît”.