French Phrase
Patiente un peu, s'il te plaît.
Meaning
A friendly way to ask someone to wait a short time. The speaker uses the informal singular imperative *patiente* and adds the polite *s'il te plaît* to soften the request.
When to use
Use this phrase with friends, family, or peers in casual settings. In a formal or plural context switch to *Patientez un peu, s'il vous plaît* or use *Attendez*.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Patienteunpeu,s'ilteplaît.
Imperative of -er verbs
For regular -er verbs like *patienter*, drop the -er and add -e for the singular informal imperative (Patiente).
Adverbial phrase *un peu*
*Un peu* means “a little” and modifies the verb, indicating a short amount of waiting.
Polite formula *s'il te plaît*
Use *s'il te plaît* with informal singular address; the formal/plural version is *s'il vous plaît*.
Comma before *s'il te plaît*
A comma separates the request from the polite formula, mirroring spoken pause.
🗨In Conversation
Patiente un peu, s'il te plaît.
Wait a little, please.
D'accord, je reviens tout de suite.
Okay, I’ll be right back.
✕Common Mistakes
Patientez un peu, s'il te plaît.
Mixes formal imperative with informal *te*; use *s'il vous plaît* with *Patientez*.
Patiente un peu, s'il vous plaît.
Mismatched politeness level; *te* goes with *s'il te plaît*.
Patient un peu, s'il te plaît.
Missing the imperative ending –e; the correct form is *Patiente*.
↔Alternatives
Attends un moment, s'il te plaît.
Wait a moment, please.
Un instant, s'il te plaît.
Just a moment, please.
Patiente un instant, s'il te plaît.
Hold on a second, please.
Cultural Tip
French speakers often pair an imperative with *s'il te plaît* to keep a request courteous. Remember that *patiente* is informal; with strangers or in a professional setting you should say *Patientez* and use *s'il vous plaît*. Also, *patienter* sounds slightly more formal than the everyday *attendre*.