Watch what happens when we ask for a pencil, first without please, then with please. Which one works better?
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Say eight polite French expressions
- Ask for something using please and thank you
- Practise a short polite exchange with a partner
We will hear today's eight polite phrases in two short groups. Listen to each one, then say it back together as a class. Listen for the soft zh sound in je (like the s in treasure) and notice that French often has a friendly form and a polite form.
Flip two cards at a time and find each French phrase with its English meaning. When a pair is found, the whole class says the French out loud together before the next turn.
Time for our French goûter counter. Partner A orders something politely; Partner B hands it over. Then swap. Follow the four beats below. Your teacher will show you the other please and you're-welcome forms, the ones for an adult.
Mini-script
- A: Un jus, s'il te plaît.
- B: Voici. (Here you go, with a handing gesture.)
- A: Merci.
- B: De rien.
Other orders you can try: un croissant, un chocolat chaud.
Open your copy. Copy the two phrases below, then write one short café request of your own using please.
Copy these:
- S'il vous plaît
- Merci
Then write your request, like this one: Un jus, s'il vous plaît. Either please form is fine, and the phrases on the board are there if you need a reminder.
- S'il vous plaît — Please (formal)
- S'il te plaît — Please (informal)
- merci — Thank you
- De rien — You're welcome (informal)
- Je vous en prie — You're welcome (formal)
- excusez-moi — Excuse me (formal)
- excuse-moi — Excuse me (informal)
- pardon — Sorry / pardon
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