Meaning of please In English

• 0 used to make a request more polite:

  • Could I have two coffees and a tea, please?

  • Please remember to close the windows before you leave.

  • Please, David, put the knife down.

  • Oh, please. Do shut up!

  • Please, Miss, I know the answer!

  • "More potatoes?" "Please."

  • "May I bring my husband?" "Please do."

  • "Would you like dessert?" "Oh, yes please."

• 1 to make someone feel happy or satisfied, or to give someone pleasure:

  • I only got married to please my parents.

  • He was always a good boy, very friendly and eager to please.

  • [ + obj + to infinitive ] It always pleases me to see a well-designed book!

  • She thinks she can just do whatever/as she pleases.

  • I shall go out with whoever I please.

  • They want £200, if you please, just to replace a couple of broken windows!

  • Take your seats, ladies and gentlemen, if you please.

• 2 commonly used in order to make a request more polite, or, sometimes, to make it stronger or urgent:

  • Could I please have some ketchup for my hamburger?

  • Please be sure to take all your personal belongings when you leave the train.

  • Please do as I say and don’t ask questions.

  • "Would you like some more salad?" "Please (= yes, I would)."

• 3 to make someone feel happy or satisfied, or to give someone pleasure:

  • [ I/T ] He did what he could to please her, but she was hard to please.

  • [ T ] I’m pleased to report that sales have increased by 15%.

  • [ I ] She’ll listen to what you say, but in the end she’ll do as/what she pleases (= what she wants to do).