French Phrase
Un peu saignant, s'il te plaît.
Meaning
A short, polite way to ask the waiter to serve your steak a little rare. It conveys the desired level of doneness while keeping the tone courteous.
When to use
Use this phrase at a restaurant or bistro when you are ordering meat (usually steak) and you prefer it cooked rare, but not completely raw. It works in casual conversation with friends or a familiar waiter.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Unpeusaignant,s'ilteplaît.
Un peu
An adverbial phrase meaning 'a little' that modifies the adjective that follows.
Saignant
An adjective used for meat, indicating it is cooked rare, with a reddish‑pink interior.
s'il te plaît
A polite request meaning 'please' (informal). Use 's'il vous plaît' in formal settings.
🗨In Conversation
Un peu saignant, s'il te plaît.
A little rare, please.
Très bien, je le note.
Very well, I’ll note that.
✕Common Mistakes
Un peu sanglant, s'il te plaît.
Use "saignant" for rare; "bleu" is even rarer, while "à point" is medium‑well. Don't confuse it with "sanglant" (which is not used for meat).
Un peu saignant, s'il te plaît.
In a formal setting you should use "s'il vous plaît"; using the informal form may be seen as too familiar.
↔Alternatives
Saignant, s'il vous plaît.
Rare, please.
À point, s'il te plaît.
Medium‑well, please.
Bien cuit, s'il vous plaît.
Well done, please.
Cultural Tip
In French dining, the level of doneness is often discussed explicitly. While "saignant" is common, some chefs may ask if you prefer "bleu" (almost raw). Also, remember that "s'il te plaît" is informal; in a more formal restaurant or with a stranger, switch to "s'il vous plaît" to show respect.