What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of vouloir (to want) and the infinitive poursuivre (to continue or pursue).
Which one should you use?
While the direct imperative continuez means "continue", veuillez poursuivre is more formal and carries a tone of polite instruction. In formal settings where you want to say "Please continue", you can also use Poursuivez, je vous prie. To give formal permission to continue, you might use Allez-y. In informal settings, you can say Continue, s'il te plaît for "Please continue" or use Je t'écoute (meaning "I'm listening") to show you are eager for someone to proceed with a conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb veuillez is the formal imperative form of vouloir, used here to express a polite command or request.
Did you know?
- While veuillez poursuivre is a polite request, the word poursuivre shares its Latin ancestor with the word 'persecute' in English.
- While veuillez comes from vouloir ('to want'), it does not mean 'please' in the sense of a favor. Instead, it literally translates to 'be so kind as to wish', turning a desire into a polite command.
- The verb poursuivre has a dual nature, meaning both 'to continue' a task and 'to chase' or 'to prosecute' someone in a legal sense.
Examples in context
- Veuillez poursuivre.Please proceed.This sentence demonstrates the use of veuillez poursuivre.Tatoeba #9019982 by Micsmithel, translation #2111571 by CK
- Veuillez poursuivre votre lecture.Please proceed with your reading.
- Veuillez poursuivre votre démonstration.Please proceed with your demonstration.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are in a business meeting.
- NathanJe suis prêt pour vos questions.I am ready for your questions.
- ManonVeuillez poursuivre, Nathan.Please proceed, Nathan.
- NathanMerci, Manon.Thank you, Manon.
- ManonJe vous écoute.I am listening to you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poursuivre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
