viens ici, s'il te plaît
The English phrase "come here, please" is translated into French as viens ici, s'il te plaît.
This phrase is used as a polite request to ask someone to move toward your current location.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word viens is the imperative (command) form of the verb venir (to come) used for the second person singular. To change the phrase from the informal viens ici, s'il te plaît to the formal or plural version, use venez ici, s'il vous plaît when addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people.
Did you know?
- The word ici evolved from the Late Latin ecce hīc, but it was modified in Old French to mirror the sound of iluec ('there').
- While s'il te plaît literally means 'if it pleases you', French speakers often use a beckoning gesture with the palm facing down, which differs from the palm-up gesture common in some English-speaking cultures.
- To avoid the bluntness of a direct command, a French speaker might bypass the imperative viens altogether and use the conditional pourriez-vous venir ici.
Examples in context
- Viens ici, s'il te plaît, pour voir ça.Come here, please, to see this.
- Viens ici, s'il te plaît, j'ai besoin d'aide.Come here, please, I need help.
- Viens ici, s'il te plaît, on part bientôt.Come here, please, we are leaving soon.
Example conversation
Manon calls Nathan to show him something in the garden.
- ManonNathan, viens ici, s'il te plaît !Nathan, come here, please!
- NathanQu'est-ce qu'il y a, Manon ?What is it, Manon?
- ManonRegarde ce bel oiseau sur la branche.Look at this beautiful bird on the branch.
- NathanOh, il est magnifique !Oh, it is magnificent!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ici, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
