demande
/də.mɑ̃d/
The English phrase "request" (to ask somebody to do something) is translated into French as demande.
The verb form of this word is demander. When you are asking someone for something, you use the structure demander quelque chose à quelqu'un (to ask somebody for something). To express a request politely, you can use s'il vous plaît (please).
Meaning: to ask somebody to do something (verb)
Which one should you use?
While demande is the general word used for a request, requête is specifically used for formal, legal or official petitions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec (Canada), you might hear S'il vous plaît used even in informal settings where one might otherwise use S'il te plaît.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb used to perform the act of requesting is demander.
How do you pronounce it?
/də.mɑ̃d/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying demander pour to mean "to ask for". This is a common error for English speakers. In French, the object follows the verb directly without the preposition pour.
Did you know?
- The word demande shares a root with the English word 'demand', but in French, it is the neutral, everyday way to say 'ask' or 'request' without being aggressive.
- The verb demander is used where English speakers would say 'to ask a question', but in French, the specific act of questioning is often expressed as poser une question (to pose a question).
- While demander means to request, the related word exigence describes a request that is actually a non-negotiable demand.
Examples in context
- Elle rejeta ma demande.She turned down my request.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express the rejection of a demande.Tatoeba #825202 by sacredceltic, translation #314294 by CK
- Ta demande est refusée.Your request is denied.This sentence shows how a demande can be denied.Tatoeba #6473195 by Aiji, translation #3732320 by CK
- Ignore la demande de Tom.Ignore Tom's request.This sentence demonstrates how to refer to a specific person's demande.Tatoeba #5671485 by Aiji, translation #2244573 by CK
- Pourriez-vous s'il vous plaît m'aider avec ce problème?Could you please help me with this problem?
- Je vous serais reconnaissant(e) si vous pouviez m'envoyer les informations demandées.I would be grateful if you could send me the requested information.
- Je souhaiterais que vous fassiez le nécessaire le plus tôt possible.I would like you to take care of this as soon as possible.
- Est-ce que tu pourrais me prêter ton stylo, s'il te plaît?Could you lend me your pen, please?
- Peux-tu fermer la fenêtre, s'il te plaît?Can you close the window, please?
- Pouvez-vous, s'il vous plaît, me passer le sel?Could you please pass me the salt?
- Pourriez-vous m'accompagner à la réunion?Could you accompany me to the meeting?
- Je vous remercie d'avance de prendre en compte ma demande.Thank you in advance for considering my request.
- J'aimerais vraiment que tu assistes à mon concert. Ça me ferait très plaisir!I would really like it if you could come to my concert. It would make me very happy!
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking in an office.
- EmmaHugo, as-tu reçu ma demande ?Hugo, did you receive my request?
- HugoOui, Emma, je m'en occupe.Yes, Emma, I am taking care of it.
- EmmaC'est très urgent.It is very urgent.
- HugoNe t'inquiète pas, elle sera prête bientôt.Don't worry, it will be ready soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry demande, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries demande, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
