Understanding Why the French Say 'S'il Vous Plait'

Why do the French say “s'il vous pla?t” and not “please”? This seemingly minor linguistic quirk is deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and grammatical differences between the two languages. In this article, we will dive into the nuances of why the French phrase is unique and how it reflects the cultural importance of politeness in French language and society.

Etymological Origins

In English, the word "please" originates from the Old French word "pl?it", which derives from the Latin “placeo”, meaning to be agreeable. Similarly, the French “s'il vous pla?t” translates literally to "if it please you". This direct etymological link explains why the literal translation into English sounds awkward:

“S'il vous pla?t” "If it please you"

The confusion lies in the stark contrast between how the phrases sound in their native languages. In “s'il vous pla?t”, the phonetic structure “s'il vous pla?t” is fluid and poetic, making it a more natural and elegant request in French. In contrast, “if it please you” in English sounds old-fashioned and formal.

Grammatical Constructions

French Politeness: French language is known for its explicit incorporation of politeness into daily interactions. The phrase “s'en vous plait” is a perfect example of this. The use of the pronoun “vous” (you, formal) and the subjunctive verb form “plaise” emphasizes the listener's pleasure or consent. This intrinsic politeness is a hallmark of the French language and culture:

S'il vous pla?t If it please you

The subjunctive form is used to express a desire or hope, making the phrase more indirect and polite. The English equivalent is often more direct and less formal:

Please Have you pleasure in doing it

Cultural Context

Cultural Importance of Politeness: French culture places a very high value on formality and politeness, which is reflected in its language. The use of “s'il vous pla?t” is not just about asking something; it is a mark of respect and consideration. This cultural value has been passed down through generations, further cementing its place in the French language:

“S'il vous pla?t” is more than just a request, it is a demonstration of French culture and its respect for societal norms.

For example, when using “s'il vous pla?t”, the speaker is implicitly acknowledging the other person's wishes and desires, which is seen as a sign of respect and professionalism. In contrast, the English phrase “please” is more direct and less formal.

Usage Variations

Formal vs. Informal: While “s'il vous pla?t” is a very formal phrase, French speakers often use more informal alternatives in less formal settings. For example, in casual conversations, one might hear:

Agneau, plait-il? Agneau, do you like?

Such phrases are more direct and less formal, reflecting the varying contexts of language use.

English Simplification: In English, politeness is often more direct and straightforward. The phrase “please” is used to make a request or a command more polite. This directness is a cultural characteristic that contrasts with the more indirect and polished nature of French language and culture.

Historical Development

Unique Evolution: English and French have evolved separately over centuries, adopting different linguistic and cultural traits. While English adopted a more direct form, French has maintained a more indirect, polite, and elegant manner of expression. This unique evolution has led to subtle differences in how requests are made and how politeness is expressed.

English adopted a more direct form of expression, as seen in “please,” which is a simple, straightforward request. French, on the other hand, uses a more complex structure to express the same idea, making it more polished and indirect.

In conclusion, the use of “s'il vous pla?t” in French is a reflection of the cultural, historical, and grammatical differences that have shaped the languages. It is not simply a matter of preference, but a deeply ingrained aspect of French language and culture.

Primarily because French people - speak French! As this question strongly indicates you are an American I know this will come as a shock to you, but yes it’s true - not everyone in the world speaks English! Or at least what passes for English in the US.

In our next lesson, we’ll learn how not everyone eats hamburgers. Even people from Hamburg, or use dollars. I know you don’t believe that right now but we’ll work our way up to it, don’t worry.