Tu es sûr ?
To ask are you sure? In French, say Tu es sûr ?
Tu es sûr ? is the everyday question for checking whether a friend or family member is certain about something.
What does it mean word for word?
Tu means you, es means are and sûr means sure.
Which one should you use?
Êtes-vous sûr(e) ? is the polite form for strangers, people you address formally or a group. T'es sûr(e) ? is a relaxed spoken version. Tu es certain ? means are you certain and can sound a little more formal or stronger.
How does it change in a sentence?
sûr agrees with the person you are talking to. Ask a man Tu es sûr ? and a woman Tu es sûre ? The spelling changes but both sound the same.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not forget the circumflex on sûr. Without it the word means on.
Did you know?
- The word sûr shares an ancestor with the English word 'secure', which is why both carry the sense of being safe and certain.
- While Tu es sûr ? is a question, in fast spoken French, the rising intonation is the only thing that distinguishes it from the statement 'You are sure'.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, êtes-vous sûr(e) que vous avez tous les documents requis ?Excuse me, are you sure you have all the required documents?
- T'es sûr(e) d'avoir éteint le four avant de partir ?Are you sure you turned off the oven before leaving?
- Tu as révisé pour l'examen ? T'es sûr(e) de toi ?Did you study for the exam? Are you sure about it?
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are deciding which bus to take.
- ChloéLe bus arrive dans deux minutes.The bus arrives in two minutes.
- HugoC'est le bon numéro ?Is it the right number?
- ChloéOui, je pense.Yes, I think so.
- HugoTu es sûr ?Are you sure?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sûr, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
