tu es libre ?
The English phrase "are you free?" is translated into French as tu es libre ?
This phrase is used to ask if someone is available or has no other plans at a certain time.
Which one should you use?
tu es libre ? is the informal way to ask this question. For formal contexts, you can use Êtes-vous disponible? to mean "Are you available?", Avez-vous du temps libre? to mean "Do you have any free time?" or Seriez-vous libre? to mean "Would you be free?" In informal settings, you might also hear T'as du temps libre? meaning "Do you have any free time?" or T'es dispo? meaning "Are you available?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tu es libre ? should only be used with friends, family or people you know well. When speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people, use the formal vous êtes libre ?
Did you know?
- While libre means 'free' in terms of time, using it to describe a person's relationship status can imply they are single and available for dating.
- In French, you can answer je suis pris (I am taken) to mean you are busy. This is the direct opposite of being libre and uses the same logic as being 'booked'.
- The word libre shares the same ancient root as the word for 'people', suggesting that being 'free' was historically tied to being a member of a community.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, êtes-vous disponible demain matin pour une réunion?Excuse me, are you available tomorrow morning for a meeting?
- Salut! T'es dispo pour aller au cinéma ce soir?Hey! Are you available to go to the movies tonight?
Example conversation
Léa is calling Gabriel to go to the cinema.
- LéaSalut Gabriel, tu es libre ?Hi Gabriel, are you free?
- GabrielOui, pourquoi ?Yes, why?
- LéaOn va au cinéma ensemble ?Shall we go to the cinema together?
- GabrielC'est une super idée !That's a great idea!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libre, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
