RSVP

What does RSVP mean?

Respond, if you please (Origin French: Répondez s’il vous plait)

RSVP stands for “répondez s’il vous plaît“, a French phrase that directly translates to “Please respond” or “Respond as soon as possible.” This term is frequently used on invitations for events where the number of guests matters.

By sending an RSVP, you’re letting the event organizers know if you plan to attend or not. This helps them figure out things like how much food they need to prepare or whether they have enough space to accommodate everyone.

Typically, when you see an RSVP on an invitation, it’s followed by details on how to respond, such as an email address or phone number, and a date by which you should respond. This is especially common on invitations for big events like weddings or milestone birthday parties.

Example for using ‘RSVP’ in a conversation

Hey! Did you get the invitation to Sarah’s wedding?

Yes, I did! It’s so exciting! Are you going?

I would love to, but I’m not sure if I can make it. I need to check my schedule first.

No problem. Just remember to RSVP by next week so they can plan accordingly.