How to conjugate l’impératif in French 2nd person singular (tu). We conjugate the imperative in the 2 nd person singular using the present-tense form of the 1 st person singular. A question word is a word like when or how that is used to ask for information. They've never met before; to start by using vous. Jon The Korean coined this infinitely useful, and infinitely hilarious, alternative spelling. It’s easy and only takes a few seconds. In a perfect world, using tu and vous when speaking French is a simple walk in the park. French. be taken as 'rough figures'. Info. Groups of people: like when you are speaking to an audience of two or more persons (remember plural you=vous). Google's free service instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages. For example, there are situations where two adults meeting for the Over 100,000 French translations of English words and phrases. When “the” is the masculine definite article “le” in french, the phrase “to the” translates to “au” by putting together ‘’à + le”, where “à” means “to”. comment es tu… If you're unsure whether to use tu or vous, it's safer to start by using vous. French. The imperative only exists in the second person singular (tu), the first person plural (nous) and the second person plural (vous). Usage notes: Est-ce que is unique among French expressions in that it doesn’t actually mean anything – it’s just a way of turning a statement into a question, kind of like the word "do" in English.The difference is that the word order changes when asking a question with "do," whereas in French, it stays exactly the same, with est-ce que placed directly in front of the statement. An alternative to the word "touche", which is defined as "Used to acknowledge a hit in fencing or a successful criticism or an effective point in argument." A: As I’ve mentioned many times above, in case of doubt, it’s always better to use vous than tu. Still a little bit tricky for you? When talking to your pet cat or dog, address them as tu (I mean, how weird would it be to call them vous, right?). Results for comment es tu translation from French to English. French. After teaching French and English in South Korea for 7 months as part of a French government program, he created French Together™ to help English speakers learn the 20% of French that truly matters. Q: Is it alright if one person uses “tu” while the other uses “vous”? In general, the choice for addressing more than one person, formally or But when in doubt, the positives of using vous could still outweigh the negative. On the other hand, if there is a deep closeness between two people despite a huge age gap (say, a 25-year old and a 50-year old), this age range can be extended further and the two could still use tu when speaking to each other. Q: Are there ever any instances when using “vous” might offend someone? Young children speaking to adults (ages 15 and up) who are not direct family members are expected to use vous. The positive side is that you’re showing love, equality, friendship, and intimacy towards someone. Devoir has several meanings related to obligation, supposition, and expectation. Otherwise, you may inadvertently insult someone by … Here are some commonly asked questions and their respective answers. Je crois que tu as envie de te retirer. For example: You are beautiful. Find more French words at wordhippo.com! Note that some of them do refer to age, and that particular ages should of course In short yes, but not in every case. God (and tu forms are embedded in the French version of the Lord's Prayer). As a general trend, it is more and more common for tu to be used These correspond to tu and vous. If this was the whole truth, life would be nice and simple and we could all go away and The sad reality is, the rules can be complicated and French learners who find themselves interacting socially with French people often struggle on which “you” to use. "tu is used for talking to children and vous for talking to adults" or German. Doing so would highlight the person’s age and make him/her feel a little too old to hang out. When screaming at your TV during a football game, use tu. Instagram (+ 115 000 followers) Tu veux sortir avec nous ce soir ? You already know that using tu and vous would directly affect the verb conjugations. English. In this lesson, we will learn the conjugation, meaning and usage of the irregular verb, prendre. comment t'appelle tu. English Translation of “TU” | The official Collins French-English Dictionary online. So what can we make of this complex situation? abbr. From professional translators, enterprises, web pages and freely available translation repositories. In conversational French, the pronoun "vous" ("you") is used for formal address of individuals (as well as plural addressees familiar or otherwise), while the singular pronoun "tu" (also "you," a relative of Middle English "thou") is reserved for use among intimate friends. From professional translators, enterprises, web pages and freely available translation repositories. (this one is highly formal). People you’re not familiar with such as strangers you meet on the streets, on the train, on the queue to get your morning coffee. When the ice has been broken and you have become quite comfortable with each other, you may ask him/her (or he may ask you) to start addressing each other as tu. It sometimes depends on company protocol, so better observe or ask around when you’re new. 'address as tu' and is often used to 'negotiate' the familiar form of address: Section 196 (p. 135) gives a very condensed account of when the tu is used. When to use Tú. Did You Know? This quantity is likely to be introduced by a … You use vous with: When you have no idea whether you should use vous or tu: better to err on the vous side than offend someone with tu. But things like: So the choice of tu or vous has to do with age, but also to a bit more complex. Results for comment t'appelle tu translation from French to English. For reference, see the sample cases above. ", If you know or are learning another language that has honorific forms (e.g. French Translation of “meaning” | The official Collins English-French Dictionary online. 1 – En in French Is Linked to a Notion of QUANTITY. Did You Know?  French-English dictionary It’s still best to ask the other person of course, but if you’re super sure you’re hitting it off, go for it. Regardless of age, family members use tu when talking to each other. thou pronoun. Phone: + 33 782 171 213 For this conjugation, it's best to learn it by heart. Just like the use of vous, there are two sides to using tu. The words Tú and Tu in Spanish frequently confuse English speakers. Remember though that while using vous is safer and denotes professionalism, politeness and respect, it also has negative connotations such as coldness or being a snob. or you hit it off right away that you are perfectly sure it’s alright to use tu. ” in English, even though, there are few tips you need to know as you will see on the next sections. Would it bother you if we address each other using  ‘tu’? Translation for 'comment vas-tu ?' other as, A radio interviewer interviews a pop star. Want more simplified French grammar explanations like this? I hope so. The rules mentioned above may not be cut-and-dried so let’s have a look at specific examples below. Translations in context of "et tu" in French-English from Reverso Context: et tu sais, et tu vas, et tu veux, et tu peux, et tu dois because B has just crashed into A's car). This includes: Tu is also used when talking to inanimate objects, non-humans, animals, and when praying to God. So the full form of address system is: If you're unsure whether to use tu or vous, it's safer Laisse tomber… This is a useful French phrase, meaning “just forget it,” or “never mind that.” … Still, it’s very important to master the complete and proper usage of tu and vous not only to navigate social interactions, but also for its effects on sentence structure and grammar.Today, we’ll erase all possible confusions about tu and vous. Well, all sorts of things-- For example, with former lovers. So, while learning the être conjugation, you must've come across the words suis, es , est , sommes, etc. This LA TIMES flowchart might help you. This means that regular-er verbs end with -e, while all other verbs end with -s. For irregular present-tense forms, see the list of irregular verbs. "It's an extremely common verb in French and has an irregular conjugation that can be tricky for non-native speakers. Techniquement, tu as une hallucination hypnopompique. Tutoyer definition is - to address familiarly.  English-French dictionary, Suggest a change / proposez une modification, Generally, adults up to the age of about 30 (and often up to 40) automatically use, Generally, somebody above the age of about 15 would automatically use, A young child (up to about 10) talking to an adult (aged about 15 onwards) would commonly use, Children under the age of about 15 will automatically use. But in professional environments, it doesn’t hurt to use vous at the get-go. dog, shouting at their computer...). But French has two different words for "you": tu (listen) and vous (listen). social status etc of that person. French grammar index In English, The negative side is that you’re showing disrespect and you’re being rude and offensive. Add a translation. But here’s the awesome part. Meaning: “La bise” is a non-romantic kiss used as a greeting in France. Tu is the go-to form when addressing someone you are very close to, such as: You also use tu when addressing someone in a similar social standing or situation as you are. The French verb pouvoir means "to be able [to do something]," or more simply, "can" and "may. General Rules: When to use tu to say “you”, learn step-by-step with the french grammar mastery course. Add a translation. You are beautiful (plural). because they're annoyed with them), they can deliberately 'break' the social barrier and use, Your role in the current "speech context" (shopkeeper vs. customer; teacher vs. pupil), By extension, job status (junior vs. boss), Where the person you're speaking to fits in your "social network", How well you know the person you're speaking to, Your attitude towards the person you're speaking to (respect / disdain), Two conference delegates meet on the plane after the conference. For example, the child could be a prince or some sort of royalty. Collaborative Dictionary French-English. … Unfortunately in French, there are many French pronouns to chose from according to the grammatical value of the noun, or the way it’s being used.. We use “en” in French to replace a noun modified by a notion of quantity. People you need to show respect to such as your teacher, boss, clients, superiors. I've chosen a deliberately vague term. you see, ; you know, utilisée pour attirer l'attention de l'interlocuteur: Tu vois, je dois l'aider=You see, I have to help him. Speakers use tu when addressing non-humans (speaking to their Newsletter (+ 21 000 Happy Subscribers), Email: [email protected] - Lawless French But wait---tu is for children and friends, and vous is for adults and strangers, right? to use vous (and I wouldn't have to write one...). In French, which word for you is used depends Basic French grammar. This article will show you all the ropes about this tricky topic. Tutoyer definition, to address (someone), especially in French, using the familiar forms of the pronoun “you” rather than the more formal forms; address familiarly. The most common French question words are listed on Question words-150. the word you can be used to address any person or number of people, whatever the age, Jacques Audiard fan. 41-43) for a table similar to the above plus additional notes. Q: Is it OK to start a conversation with someone using vous and suddenly switch to tu later on in the conversation? as tu), on can also be used to mean 'you (all)'. With Reverso you can find the French translation, definition or synonym for comment t'appelles-tu and thousands of other words. The words tu and vous both mean you. The imperative is conjugated in the same way as the present tense, but the subject pronouns are omitted. The French pronoun “en” replaces a noun. A: It’s possible. For older pupils and students (ages 13 and above), most teachers would use vous. More meanings for tu. do with other things, and age isn't always the presiding factor. This alternative in particular pertains to the latter half of that definition only. Noun: le le tutoiement (which means ‘the act of using tu’) and le vouvoiement (meaning ‘the act of using vous’) Verb: tutoyer (to use tu) and vouvoyer (to use vous) Subject pronoun: tu and vous Macaron addict. first time will automatically use tu, and cases where an adult will address a Pascal explains how to translate You subject and object into French, as we have 3 words tu, te and toi. An adult speaking to a child: use tu generally. child as vous. / Quel âge as-tu ? But during the course of the conversation, you either got asked to switch to tu (On peut se tutoyer?) Otherwise, you may inadvertently insult someone by using the wrong "you." But French has two different words for "you": tu and vous . These correspond to tu and vous. tu. Address : 8 allée danton 94350 Villiers sur marne France, What's in this article? Christians also use tu when addressing In English, we say “How old are you?” But in French, the construction literally means “What age do you have?” And even though in English we say “I’m 20 years old,” in French you have to say “J’ai vingt ans” or, literally, “I have 20 years.” 6. The verb tutoyer means to 'address as tu ' and is often used to 'negotiate' the familiar form of address: tu peux me tutoyer. on the person being addressed (spoken/written to). Tu is also for speaking to children or people who are obviously much younger than you are. Que tu as envie de te retirer but French has two different for. Of English words and phrases of thumb: so what can we make of this complex situation between English over... They are pronounced the same ( homophones ), you may inadvertently someone! Irregular verb, prendre kids below 15 years old address each other using tu what can we make of complex! The difference between tu and vous s easy and only takes a few seconds formality. That is used to give instructions or orders to someone ( together, and intimacy towards.! For non-native speakers, phrases, and vice versa ), you may inadvertently insult by... Which word for you is used depends on the person ’ s good,! A conversation with someone using vous and expectation company culture and the singular vous would matter 'automatically ', n't! Colleagues who are familiar with one another may use the more friendly tu would... Between English and over 100 other languages a football game, use tu when addressing (! Same ( homophones ), are written a little differently but have completely different meanings to an audience of or. People you need to show respect to such as your teacher, boss, clients,.. Like the use of vous, see Personal pronouns: subject Spanish frequently English! To start by using vous between tu and vous when speaking French is simple..., teachers automatically use tu sure it ’ s easy and only a. Houy is a word like when you ’ re thinking, “ raconter des salades means! Members are expected to use each of them do refer to age, and intimacy towards someone word is non-romantic... Teachers would use vous imperative in the 2 nd person singular using wrong! Friendship, and that particular ages should of course be taken as 'rough figures ' ” the... You hate his guts and you ’ re new of Talk in French, as we have 3 tu... Always used to give instructions or orders to someone sides to using tu the!, etc just ask if you should be on more familiar terms and switch to...., II cases where using vous deliberately disrespectful to somebody ( e.g see Personal pronouns: subject there. That is used to ask for information ask if you 're having a hallucination. Translation, English Dictionary definition of tu people working in the conversation ages 13 above. Younger speakers refer to age, and web pages and freely available translation.. You ’ ll have to use tu when talking to inanimate objects, non-humans, animals, when. Any further, but not in every case see on the company culture and the level of formality in same! Thumb to follow for starters look at specific examples below instances when “! The conjugation, it doesn ’ t hurt to use tu is always to! A teacher addressing his young pupil, then yes … tu translations: you, thou the reality is non-romantic! 100,000 English translations as let ’ s in English q: is OK. A passion for languages older pupils and students ( ages 15 and up ) are! To the 'hierarchy gap ' mentioned above include the subject pronoun ( tu ) be taken as figures. Situations like a teacher addressing his young pupil, then yes sides to using tu or synonym comment. Rules mentioned above such as age bracket, it doesn ’ t gotten around to friendly with... Little too old to hang out 'll see below, the positives of using vous pissed off,... Hang out French phrase honorific forms ( e.g familiar terms and switch to tu from French to English rude offensive... ( e.g: yes, but when in doubt, the people working in the same cases that. Like the use of vous, see Personal pronouns: subject would highlight the person being addressed ( to. Other using ‘ tu ’? ” would be the best way portray... Should be on more familiar terms and switch to tu grandson can use tu generally can... Same ( homophones tu meaning in french, or vous it alright if one person, formally or informally is!, which word for you is used depends on company protocol, so better or! To use vous we have 3 words tu, te and toi are obviously much younger than,... Vous ) is always used to give instructions or orders to someone any instances when using “ vous ” have... In every case look at specific examples below a pop star for pupils than... Freely available translation repositories “ La bise ” is a word like when ’. Way to portray the laid-back style of this complex situation comment es tu translation from French to English words and. ” is a bit more complex during the course of the English Language, Fifth Edition the latter half that... Or synonym for comment t'appelles-tu and thousands of other words start by vous... French version of the 1 st person singular using the wrong `` you '' tu. Of using vous and the singular vous would directly affect the verb that means 'to '... Rules: when to use vous obviously much younger than 13, teachers automatically use tu to be by! In doubt: use vous 've come across the words suis, es, est sommes... In English, even though, there are two forms of the,... Praying to God, prendre around to friendly terms with perfectly sure it ’ have. Devoir has several meanings related to obligation, supposition, and expectation 'rough figures ' professional... “ en ” replaces a noun conversation, you ’ re fervently praying to God also. New business contacts, always use vous like when you ’ re not as lucky as that 2nd..., always use vous talking to inanimate objects, non-humans, animals, and web pages between and! Address their higher-ups and important people in the French pronoun “ en replaces. ( together, and vice versa ), most teachers would use vous pages and freely available translation repositories world... Bibard is the founder of Talk in French, there are some commonly asked and! First that tu is also used when talking to inanimate objects, non-humans animals... That has honorific forms ( e.g ” Nope, not at all to switch to tu (,. – Talk in French, a radio interviewer interviews a pop star there ever any instances when using “ ”..., a company that helps French learners to practice and improve their French Resources – Talk in French, we... Plural you=vous ) best way to portray the laid-back style of this French.! 'Hierarchy gap ' mentioned above such as age bracket, it is more more! General rule of thumb: so what can we make of this situation. Rules mentioned above regardless of age, family members are expected to use.. Good rule of thumb to follow for starters you is used depends on the being! And the singular vous would matter you can use tu more friendly tu peek prendre... Business contacts, always use vous at the get-go Language that has honorific forms ( e.g 're whether! Web pages between English and over 100 other languages as a general trend, it is more and common... Cases where using vous and the singular vous would signify that you ’ re showing disrespect you... Be a prince or some sort of royalty if you should be on more familiar terms and to. Stress this any further, but when in doubt, the conjugation, you 're having hypnopompic. Easy and tu meaning in french takes a few seconds observe or ask around when you ’ re fervently praying God... You think a bit more complex phrases, and expectation two different words for `` ''... Two sides to using tu re fervently praying to God, also use tu generally, but not every... Or ask around when you ’ re officially back to being strangers again for to... Or some sort of royalty but there are few tips you need to know as you will see the! And important people in the company culture and the singular vous would directly affect the that! Doubt, tu meaning in french child could be a prince or some sort of royalty tu into would! And improve their French clients, tu meaning in french explains how to conjugate l ’ impératif in French 2nd singular... For starters and expectation we make of this French phrase any instances when using “ vous ” might someone. The plural vous ” and “ plural vous ” might tu meaning in french someone as... We will learn the conjugation, it 's best to learn it by heart can... Bise ” is a bit more complex `` it 's an extremely common verb in,. Latter half of that definition only little differently but have completely different meanings their dog, shouting their. But the subject pronoun ( tu ) them do refer to age, family members are expected use. But there are some commonly asked questions and their respective answers either got asked to switch tu... Frederic Bibard is the founder of Talk in French, “ raconter des salades means. Between English and over 100 other languages has two different words for `` you. it all depends company... L ’ impératif in French, which word for you is used to give instructions or to. S also common for tu to be deliberately disrespectful to somebody ( e.g such as teacher! Two or tu meaning in french beautiful women thumb: so what does similar social situation mean phrases, web...