After you means 'you go first, please go ahead'. You let someone go first: at a door, by the lift, in the queue for the printer. After you, Mina. I'll hold the lift door. It also lets someone speak when two people start talking at once. It's polite with strangers and colleagues alike; please at the start is optional.
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After you. / Please, after you. / After you, + name
- After you, Mina. I'll hold the lift door.
- We both started speaking, so I smiled and said, 'After you.'
- Please, after you. There is enough soup for everyone.
What changed
First versionPass, please. I'll hold the door.
RevisionAfter you. I'll hold the door.
Pass, please looks like a short, polite invitation to walk through. But at a door pass sounds odd: it means hand something over or go past. English lets people go first differently: After you, that is, 'I'll go after you'.
You first also means 'you go first', but it sounds more direct, almost like an order. After you is softer: you're giving way, not giving instructions. Follow me is the reverse: you go first.
Your turn
You reach a door at the same time as an older man. You step aside and say: '___'
Show the answer
After you — You let the man go first and follow him, so it's after you. After me would mean that you go first.
You and a neighbour reach the lift at the same time. Let them go first in one sentence with after you.
After you — I'm in no hurry.
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