je vous en prie
/ʒə vu.z‿ɑ̃ pʁi/
The English phrase "please do" can be translated into French as je vous en prie.
This phrase is used to grant permission or to encourage someone to proceed with an action they have just asked about.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I pray you of it" or "I beg of you of it".
Which one should you use?
Use je t'en prie instead of je vous en prie when speaking to a friend, family member or someone you address with tu.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form je vous en prie is formal and polite, suitable for strangers, superiors or professional settings. 's'il vous plaît' is a formal way to say 'please', while 's'il te plaît' is an informal way to say 'please'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is an invariable expression and does not change its form based on the action being permitted.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒə vu.z‿ɑ̃ pʁi/
When do people say it?
Note that while je vous en prie is used to grant permission, the phrase Je vous prie de means "I kindly request you to".
Did you know?
- While je vous en prie gives permission, the same phrase is also the standard polite way to say 'you are welcome' after someone says 'thank you'.
- Despite meaning 'please do', je vous en prie can be used sarcastically to tell someone 'go right ahead' when you actually think they are making a mistake.
- The verb prier in this phrase does not mean 'to pray' in a religious sense, but rather 'to beg' or 'to pray' in the sense of a formal request.
Examples in context
- Puis-je fermer la porte ? Je vous en prie !"Can I close the door?", "Please do!"This example shows how to use je vous en prie to grant permission after someone asks to close a door.
- Madame, veuillez faire parvenir les documents avant la réunion.Madam, please send the documents before the meeting.
- Pourriez-vous me rendre service en m'apportant un verre d'eau ?Could you please do me a favor and bring me a glass of water?
- S'il te plaît, peux-tu me passer le sel ?Could you please pass me the salt?
- Je vous en prie, asseyez-vous.Please, do sit down.
Example conversation
Nathan asks for permission to use Léa's pen.
- NathanPuis-je utiliser votre stylo, Léa ?May I use your pen, Léa?
- LéaJe vous en prie, Nathan.Please do, Nathan.
- NathanMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
- LéaDe rien !You're welcome!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry je vous en prie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
