French Phrase
Oui, s'il te plaît !
Meaning
Literally “Yes, if it pleases you,” this phrase is the standard way to say “Yes, please!” in informal French. It conveys both agreement and politeness at the same time.
When to use
Use it when someone offers you something (a drink, a seat, help, etc.) and you want to accept politely. It’s appropriate in casual conversations with friends, classmates, or colleagues you know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ouis'ilteplaît!
Oui (affirmation)
A simple affirmative word meaning “yes”. It can stand alone or precede a polite request.
s'il te plaît (polite request)
A contraction of *si* + *il* + *te* + *plaît*; literally “if it pleases you”. Used to soften a request or to answer positively to an offer.
te (informal object pronoun)
The informal second‑person singular pronoun used when speaking to friends, family, or peers.
plaît (verb *plaire*)
Third‑person singular present of *plaire* (“to please”). In the set phrase it functions as a fixed idiom.
🗨In Conversation
Tu veux du thé?
Do you want some tea?
Oui, s'il te plaît !
Yes, please!
✕Common Mistakes
Oui, si te plaît !
The correct contraction is *s'* (from *si* + *il*). Using *si* alone is grammatically wrong.
Oui, s'il vous te plaît !
Mixing formal *vous* with informal *te* creates a register clash.
Oui, s'il te plait !
The verb *plaire* needs the accent grave on the ‘e’ (plaît). Without it the word is misspelled.
↔Alternatives
Oui, merci !
Yes, thank you!
Oui, je le veux, s'il te plaît.
Yes, I’d like it, please.
Oui, avec plaisir.
Yes, with pleasure.
Cultural Tip
In French the level of formality is crucial. *S'il te plaît* is used with people you address informally (friends, family, peers). In a formal setting or with strangers you should say *s'il vous plaît*. Also, the phrase is often spoken with a slight pause after “Oui” to emphasize the politeness.