What is the English Translation of RSVP

Chances are, youve used the French abbreviation RSVP without even knowing its English translation. Commonly used for correspondence like wedding invitations and other formal occasions in the U.S. and U.K., RSVP stands for  rà ©pondez sil vous plaà ®t and is literally translated as  respond if you please.  It is used when the speaker doesnt know or wishes to show respect for another person.   Usage and Examples Though its a French acronym, RSVP is no longer used much in France, where its considered formal and very old-fashioned. The preferred expression is rà ©ponse souhaità ©e, usually followed by a date and/or a method. Alternatively, you can also use the abbreviation  SVP, which stands  for  sil vous plaà ®t  and means please in English. For example: Rà ©ponse souhaità ©e avant le 14 juillet.   Please respond by 14 July.Rà ©ponse souhaità ©e à   01.23.45.67.89.   Please respond by calling 01.23.45.67.89.Rà ©ponse souhaità ©e par mail.   Please respond by email. Use in English Oftentimes, people sending invitations will write please RSVP, rather than just using the abbreviation. Technically, this is incorrect because it means please please respond. But most people wont fault you for doing so. RSVP is also sometimes used in English as an informal verb: Mike is RSVPing by phone.I already RSVPed last week. Etiquette experts say that if you receive an  invitation with an RSVP, you should respond whether your answer is yes or no. When it says RSVP regrets only, you should respond if you do not plan to attend because a non-response is taken as an affirmative.