Meaning
A polite request for someone to say something again.
Cultural Background
Using 's'il vous plaît' is mandatory in almost every interaction with service staff. Omitting it is considered a significant social faux pas. While 'vous' is still used, Quebecois culture can sometimes be slightly more informal, but 'Répétez, s'il vous plaît' remains the safest standard for learners. Respect for elders and authority is very high; using the formal 'vous' version is essential when speaking to anyone older than you.
Use your hands
Cupping your ear while saying this helps the listener understand you missed the sound, not just the meaning.
The Comma
Always put a comma before 's'il vous plaît' in writing. It's a hallmark of good French grammar.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to say something again.
Use your hands
Cupping your ear while saying this helps the listener understand you missed the sound, not just the meaning.
The Comma
Always put a comma before 's'il vous plaît' in writing. It's a hallmark of good French grammar.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct formal version.
How do you ask a stranger to repeat?
The '-ez' ending and 'vous' are required for formal situations.
Complete the phrase.
______, s'il vous plaît.
The imperative 'vous' form of répéter is 'répétez'.
Match the phrase to the person.
Who would you say 'Répétez, s'il vous plaît' to?
Formal address is required for officials and strangers.
Fill in the missing line.
Vendeur: C'est dix euros. Client: _________ ? Vendeur: Dix euros.
The client needs the price repeated.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Répétez vs Répète
Répétez (Formal)
- • Teachers
- • Waiters
- • Strangers
- • Doctors
Répète (Informal)
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Classmates
- • Pets
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHow do you ask a stranger to repeat?
The '-ez' ending and 'vous' are required for formal situations.
______, s'il vous plaît.
The imperative 'vous' form of répéter is 'répétez'.
Who would you say 'Répétez, s'il vous plaît' to?
Formal address is required for officials and strangers.
Vendeur: C'est dix euros. Client: _________ ? Vendeur: Dix euros.
The client needs the price repeated.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsOnly if you forget 's'il vous plaît'. With the polite marker, it is perfectly respectful.
Yes, 'Pardon ?' with a rising intonation is very common and polite enough for most situations.
'Vous' is for formal/plural, 'te' is for informal/singular.
Related Phrases
Pardon ?
similarExcuse me? / What?
Comment ?
similarHow? / What was that?
Encore une fois
builds onOne more time
