tu es sur WhatsApp ?
In French, "are you on whatsapp?" is said as tu es sur WhatsApp ?
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone has an account and uses the WhatsApp messaging app.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tu es sur WhatsApp ? is a literal translation of "you are on WhatsApp?", using the preposition sur (on).
Which one should you use?
The default form tu es sur WhatsApp ? is used for friends, family or peers, whereas vous êtes sur WhatsApp ? is used for formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form vous êtes sur WhatsApp ? when speaking to a group of people or when using the formal address.
When do people say it?
A standard affirmative response to this question is Oui, je suis sur WhatsApp.
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking regions, asking if someone is 'on WhatsApp' is often a way of asking for permission to move a conversation from a formal setting to a private one.
- In French, the word sur meaning 'on' is a homograph of a word meaning 'sour' or 'bitter'. These two words are spelled identically but have entirely different linguistic origins.
Examples in context
- Dis-moi, tu es sur WhatsApp ?Tell me, are you on WhatsApp?
- Est-ce que tu es sur WhatsApp ?Are you on WhatsApp?
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are exchanging contact information.
- ManonTu es sur WhatsApp ?Are you on WhatsApp?
- LucasOui, je l'utilise tous les jours.Yes, I use it every day.
- ManonSuper, donne-moi ton numéro alors.Great, give me your number then.
- LucasC'est le zéro six douze…It is zero six twelve…
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sur, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
