Which one should you use?
The singular form manière refers to a specific way or method of doing something, such as 'a way of speaking' (une manière de parler). In contrast, the plural manières is used specifically to discuss social conduct and etiquette.
How does it change in a sentence?
While manière denotes a specific way of acting, the plural form manières is the standard way to express the concept of social etiquette.
When do people say it?
When practicing your etiquette in French, you may find several useful phrases. To say 'please', use S'il vous plaît in formal situations or S'il te plaît among friends and family. To say 'excuse me', use the formal Excusez-moi or the informal Excuse-moi. For 'you're welcome', Je vous en prie is used in formal contexts, while De rien is appropriate for informal settings. Other common expressions include Bonjour (good day), Au revoir (goodbye), Merci beaucoup (thank you very much) and Avec plaisir (with pleasure).
Did you know?
- The phrase faire des manières is an idiom meaning to act coy, fuss, or be overly dramatic about a simple request.
- During the reign of Louis XIV, manières were so codified that a specific way of bowing or holding a hat served as a visual map of a person's social rank.
- If you describe someone as having des manières, you might actually be insulting them. In many contexts, using the plural word alone can imply that the person is being affectated or is putting on airs.
Examples in context
- Il a de rudes manières.He has rough manners.This sentence describes someone having rough manières.Tatoeba #133401 by Julien_PDC, translation #303983 by CM
- Tu es dépourvu de manières.You have no manners.This sentence describes someone lacking manières.Tatoeba #7839611 by sacredceltic, translation #5272265 by Hybrid
- Elle a d'excellentes manières.She has very good manners.This sentence describes someone having excellent manières.Tatoeba #548807 by sacredceltic, translation #501257 by CK
- Pouvez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plaît?Could you help me, please?
- Merci beaucoup de votre aideThank you very much for your help
- Peux-tu me passer le sel, s'il te plaît?Can you pass me the salt, please?
- Pourriez-vous m'aider?Could you help me?
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing a guest at a dinner party.
- LéaNathan, je trouve que cet homme manque de manières.Nathan, I find that this man lacks manners.
- NathanC'est vrai, il est très impoli avec tout le monde.That's true, he is very rude to everyone.
- LéaOn devrait lui apprendre les bonnes manières.We should teach him good manners.
- NathanJe ne pense pas que ce soit notre rôle, Léa.I don't think that is our role, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manners” translations and entries manières, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
