Bedeutung
A polite request for someone to wait for a short period.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In France, 'la politesse' is a social requirement. Using 'Un instant, s'il vous plaît' is not just about waiting; it's about acknowledging the other person's presence and status. It is often accompanied by a brief nod. In Quebec, while 'Un instant' is used, you might also hear 'Un petit deux secondes' in more casual settings. The culture is slightly more informal than in France, but 's'il vous plaît' remains essential in shops. In Francophone West Africa, politeness is deeply tied to respect for elders. 'Un instant, s'il vous plaît' is used frequently, often followed by a polite title like 'Maman' or 'Tonton' (Uncle). Belgian French is very similar to Metropolitan French in its use of this phrase. However, you might find Belgians use 'S'il vous plaît' when handing something to you (like 'Here you go'), so don't be confused if they say it while *ending* the wait!
The 'Finger' Gesture
In France, you can hold up your index finger while saying this to visually reinforce that you only need a moment. It's not considered rude if accompanied by a smile.
Don't forget the 'S'il vous plaît'
Just saying 'Un instant' can sound like a command. Always add the 'please' to keep it friendly.
Bedeutung
A polite request for someone to wait for a short period.
The 'Finger' Gesture
In France, you can hold up your index finger while saying this to visually reinforce that you only need a moment. It's not considered rude if accompanied by a smile.
Don't forget the 'S'il vous plaît'
Just saying 'Un instant' can sound like a command. Always add the 'please' to keep it friendly.
The 'Petit' Trick
Say 'Un petit instant' to sound more like a native. It makes the wait sound even shorter and more manageable.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the phrase with the correct article and noun.
____ ________, s'il vous plaît.
'Instant' is masculine, so it requires 'un'.
Which phrase is most appropriate when speaking to a waiter in a nice restaurant?
You need more time to look at the menu.
This is the standard polite form for service interactions.
Fill in the missing line in this phone conversation.
A: Bonjour, est-ce que Monsieur Martin est là ? B: ________________________, je vais voir.
The speaker needs to go check, so they ask the caller to wait.
Match the phrase variation to the correct register.
1. Un instant, s'il vous plaît. 2. Attends une seconde. 3. Je vous prie de bien vouloir patienter un instant.
'S'il vous plaît' is formal, 'Attends' is informal, and 'Je vous prie' is very formal.
Add the missing contraction.
Un instant, __'il vous plaît.
The contraction is 's'il' (si + il).
🎉 Ergebnis: /5
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to use 'Un instant'
Service
- • Restaurants
- • Cafés
- • Hotels
Admin
- • Banks
- • Post Office
- • Train Station
Social
- • Phone calls
- • Interruptions
- • Introductions
Aufgabensammlung
5 Aufgaben____ ________, s'il vous plaît.
'Instant' is masculine, so it requires 'un'.
You need more time to look at the menu.
This is the standard polite form for service interactions.
A: Bonjour, est-ce que Monsieur Martin est là ? B: ________________________, je vais voir.
The speaker needs to go check, so they ask the caller to wait.
1. Un instant, s'il vous plaît. 2. Attends une seconde. 3. Je vous prie de bien vouloir patienter un instant.
'S'il vous plaît' is formal, 'Attends' is informal, and 'Je vous prie' is very formal.
Un instant, __'il vous plaît.
The contraction is 's'il' (si + il).
🎉 Ergebnis: /5
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenYes, but it might sound a bit formal. With friends, 'Un instant' or 'Attends une seconde' is more common.
An 'instant' is technically shorter than a 'moment,' but in this phrase, they are used interchangeably.
It is masculine: {un|m} instant.
'Un instant' is softer. 'Attendez' is a command (Wait!), which can feel aggressive in some situations.
You can say 'Une seconde, s'il vous plaît.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
Un moment, s'il vous plaît
synonymOne moment, please.
Attendez un instant
builds onWait an instant.
Patientez, s'il vous plaît
specialized formPlease wait (patiently).
Tout de suite
contrastRight away.
Une seconde !
similarOne second!
