French learners often wonder when to pronounce the s in plus. The answer depends on meaning and context — and it’s actually quite logical once you see the patterns!
✅ When You Do Pronounce the “S”
- When plus means “more” in a positive sense:
Je veux plus — I want more. - In mathematical expressions:
Trois plus quatre (3 + 4). - When followed by “de” and a noun:
J’ai plus de livres — I have more books. - When followed by a vowel or silent “h”:
Plus âgé — older.
Here, the s makes a “z” sound because of liaison.
🚫 When You Don’t Pronounce the “S”
- In negations (ne… plus):
Je ne veux plus — I don’t want (it) anymore. - When followed by a consonant:
Il est plus petit — He is smaller.
In these cases, the s stays silent.
🎧 Pronunciation Summary
| Meaning or Context | Pronunciation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| “More” (positive) | /plys/ or /plyz/ | Je veux plus, plus âgé | I want more, older |
| Mathematical use | /plys/ | trois plus quatre | three plus four |
| Before de + noun | /plys/ | plus de livres | more books |
| Negative (ne… plus) | /ply/ | Je ne veux plus | I don’t want anymore |
| Before consonant | /ply/ | plus petit | smaller |
💡 Tip:
If plus means “no more” or “not anymore,” don’t pronounce the s.
If it means “more” (in a positive sense), do pronounce it — and make it a z sound when there’s a liaison!
With a bit of practice, you’ll start hearing the difference naturally in French speech. Try repeating the examples aloud and listening for plus in songs, films, or podcasts — your ear will soon get used to it!