alstublieft
/ˌɑ(l)styˈblift/polite
The English word please is translated into Dutch as alstublieft. Wiktionary also lists alsjeblieft.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alstublieft | /ˌɑ(l)styˈblift/ | polite |
| alsjeblieft | /ˌɑ(l)ʃəˈblift/ | informal |
The interjection is used to make a polite request. Both alstublieft and alsjeblieft are also used as an expression when handing an object to someone, functioning like 'here you go' or 'there you are' in English.
Which one should you use?
alstublieft is the form used when addressing someone with the formal pronoun 'u', such as strangers, elders or superiors. alsjeblieft is the form used when addressing someone with the informal pronoun 'je', such as friends, family or children.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
alstublieft is the polite and formal version. alsjeblieft is the informal version used in casual settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgian Dutch, the formal alstublieft is often shortened to aub.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɑ(l)styˈblift/
Did you know?
- The word alstublieft is a 'univerbation' which means several separate words like als, het, u and belieft fused into one single word over time.
- The Dutch alstublieft is a direct linguistic sibling of the French s'il vous plaît, mirroring its structure and meaning exactly.
- The word believen within the phrase, which relates to 'pleasing', is a distant relative of the English word 'believe'.
Examples in context
- Bel hem alsjeblieft op.Please call him up.This sentence shows how to use alsjeblieft in a request.Tatoeba #9332728 by Micsmithel, translation #285147 by Zifre
- Bel hem alstublieft op.Please telephone him.This sentence shows how to use alstublieft in a request.Tatoeba #9332729 by Micsmithel, translation #903265 by CK
- Alsjeblieft sta niet op.Please don't get up.Tatoeba #1540401 by Globetrotter, translation #38565 by CK
- Kunt u mij alstublieft helpen?Could you please help me?
- Mag ik alstublieft de menukaart zien?May I please see the menu?
- Alstublieft, hier is uw koffie.Here you go, please have your coffee.
- Geef me alsjeblieft een glas water.Please give me a glass of water.
- 1273 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a formal cafe, Julia asks Levi for a menu.
- JuliaDe menukaart, alstublieft.The menu, please.
- LeviNatuurlijk, hier is hij.Of course, here it is.
- JuliaDank u wel.Thank you very much.
- LeviGraag gedaan.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries alstublieft, alsjeblieft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alsjeblieft, alstublieft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
