Meaning
A polite request to repeat something that was said.
Cultural Background
In France, failing to say 's'il vous plaît' is often seen as a sign of aggression or poor education. It is the 'magic word' that opens doors. While 'Répétez, s'il vous plaît' is used, Quebecers might use 'Pardon ?' or 'Comment ?' with a very friendly tone more often than in Paris. In Francophone West Africa, respect for elders is paramount. You would almost never use the 'tu' version (Répète) with anyone older than you. Belgian French is very similar to Metropolitan French in this regard, but you might notice a slightly different accent on the 'plaît'.
The 'Pardon' Combo
Combine 'Pardon' with 'Répétez' for maximum politeness: 'Pardon, répétez s'il vous plaît ?'
The 'Quoi' Trap
Never say 'Quoi ?' to a waiter or a teacher. It sounds like 'Huh?!' and can be perceived as aggressive.
Meaning
A polite request to repeat something that was said.
The 'Pardon' Combo
Combine 'Pardon' with 'Répétez' for maximum politeness: 'Pardon, répétez s'il vous plaît ?'
The 'Quoi' Trap
Never say 'Quoi ?' to a waiter or a teacher. It sounds like 'Huh?!' and can be perceived as aggressive.
Hand Gestures
Cupping your ear while saying this helps the listener understand you missed the audio, not just the meaning.
Eye Contact
In France, maintain brief eye contact when saying this to show you are engaged and trying to understand.
Test Yourself
You are talking to your French teacher. Which one is correct?
Monsieur, ______ s'il vous plaît ?
You must use the 'vous' form (répétez) for a teacher to show respect.
Complete the polite phrase.
Répétez, s'il ____ plaît.
The phrase 's'il vous plaît' is a fixed expression when using the 'vous' form.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
1. Répétez, s'il vous plaît. | 2. Répète, s'il te plaît.
Use 'vous' for officials and 'tu' for friends.
Fill in the missing line.
Vendeur: 'Ça coûte quatre-vingt-dix-neuf euros.' | Client: 'Pardon ? ___________'
The client says 'Pardon?' because they didn't understand the price, so they ask for repetition.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels
Formal
- • Répétez, s'il vous plaît
- • Pourriez-vous répéter ?
Informal
- • Répète, s'il te plaît
- • Tu dis quoi ?
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMonsieur, ______ s'il vous plaît ?
You must use the 'vous' form (répétez) for a teacher to show respect.
Répétez, s'il ____ plaît.
The phrase 's'il vous plaît' is a fixed expression when using the 'vous' form.
1. Répétez, s'il vous plaît. | 2. Répète, s'il te plaît.
Use 'vous' for officials and 'tu' for friends.
Vendeur: 'Ça coûte quatre-vingt-dix-neuf euros.' | Client: 'Pardon ? ___________'
The client says 'Pardon?' because they didn't understand the price, so they ask for repetition.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, with a questioning tone and a confused look, it can mean 'Repeat, please', but 'Répétez' is clearer.
Both! You use it for one person you don't know (formal) or a group of people (plural).
You can say 'Répète, s'il te plaît' because 'tu' is used for children.
The correct spelling has a circumflex (^) on the 'i'.
No, 'Répétez, s'il vous plaît' is generally considered more standard and polite for learners.
Add 'plus lentement': 'Répétez plus lentement, s'il vous plaît'.
It's better to say 'Pourriez-vous répéter ces informations ?' in writing.
'Pardon ?' is a very common short-cut. It's like saying 'Sorry?' in English.
Grammatically yes, but 's'il vous plaît' turns it into a polite request.
The most common slang is 'Hein ?', but use it sparingly!
Related Phrases
Pardon ?
similarExcuse me?
Comment ?
similarWhat? / How?
Je n'ai pas compris
builds onI didn't understand
Plus lentement, s'il vous plaît
specialized formMore slowly, please
Encore une fois
similarOne more time
