Meaning
A polite request to wait for a short period.
Cultural Background
The 's'il vous plaît' is a mandatory social marker. Omitting it can make you seem aggressive or poorly educated. In Quebec, 'Un instant' is used, but you might also hear 'Un petit deux secondes', which is a more colorful, informal way to ask for a moment. On the phone, 'Un instant' is often followed by 'ne quittez pas' (don't leave/hang up). It is a very specific ritual of French office life. In busy Parisian brasseries, a waiter might say 'Un instant !' quickly while passing by. This isn't necessarily rude; it's a way of acknowledging you while they are overwhelmed.
The Liaison is Key
Always pronounce the 'n' of 'un' when followed by 'instant'. It sounds like 'Uh-nehn-stahn'. Without the liaison, it sounds disjointed.
Don't forget the 'S'il vous plaît'
In France, saying just 'Un instant' can sound like an order. Always add the 'please' to keep it friendly.
Meaning
A polite request to wait for a short period.
The Liaison is Key
Always pronounce the 'n' of 'un' when followed by 'instant'. It sounds like 'Uh-nehn-stahn'. Without the liaison, it sounds disjointed.
Don't forget the 'S'il vous plaît'
In France, saying just 'Un instant' can sound like an order. Always add the 'please' to keep it friendly.
Eye Contact
When saying this in person, a quick smile or a nod helps convey that you are being helpful, not dismissive.
Use it to buy time
If you forget a French word, say 'Un instant, s'il vous plaît...' while you look it up. It's much better than 'Uhhhhh'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct article for 'instant'.
____ instant, s'il vous plaît.
'Instant' is a masculine noun, so it requires the masculine article 'un'.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite phrase.
Serveur: Vous voulez commander ? Vous: ________, je n'ai pas fini de lire.
This is the most polite and appropriate way to ask a waiter for more time.
Match the French phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
Understanding the nuances of formality is key in French.
In which situation would you NOT use 'Un instant, s'il vous plaît'?
Select the situation:
In emergencies, politeness is secondary to speed and clarity. You would use 'Attention !' or 'Arrêtez !' instead.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Units of Time for Waiting
Formal
- • Un instant
- • Un moment
- • Patienter
Informal
- • Une seconde
- • Deux secondes
- • Attends
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ instant, s'il vous plaît.
'Instant' is a masculine noun, so it requires the masculine article 'un'.
Serveur: Vous voulez commander ? Vous: ________, je n'ai pas fini de lire.
This is the most polite and appropriate way to ask a waiter for more time.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuances of formality is key in French.
Select the situation:
In emergencies, politeness is secondary to speed and clarity. You would use 'Attention !' or 'Arrêtez !' instead.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Un moment, s'il vous plaît' is perfectly fine and very common. It's slightly less 'immediate' than 'instant'.
Yes, but 'Un instant, s'il te plaît' is more natural for close friends. Using 'vous' might sound like a joke or too formal.
Usually between 2 and 30 seconds. If it's longer, you should provide an update.
In traditional spelling, yes. In modern 'rectified' spelling, 'plait' is acceptable, but 'plaît' remains the standard in most books and formal writing.
It's better to use 'Je reviens vers vous dans un instant' or 'Veuillez patienter' in formal emails.
You can say 'Une seconde !' but it's much less polite. Use it only with people you know.
It is masculine: {un|m} instant.
Say 'Un instant, s'il vous plaît, ne quittez pas.'
No, that just means 'Please'. You need 'Un instant' to specify what you are asking for (time).
Yes, it is universal across the French-speaking world.
Related Phrases
Un moment, s'il vous plaît
synonymOne moment, please
Une seconde, s'il vous plaît
similarOne second, please
Attendez un instant
builds onWait an instant
Je vous en prie
contrastPlease (go ahead) / You're welcome
Tout de suite
similarRight away
