sois toi-même
In French, "be you" is expressed as sois toi-même.
This phrase is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to act naturally and stay true to their own character. To add emphasis, you can place an adverb before the core expression, such as using Soyez vraiment vous-même or Sois absolument toi-même.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sois toi-même literally means "be yourself". It is composed of the imperative form of être (to be), the pronoun toi (you) and the intensive pronoun même (self/even).
Which one should you use?
Sois toi-même uses the tu form and is appropriate for friends, family or children, whereas soyez vous-même uses the vous form for formal or plural contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to someone you do not know well, or to a group of people, you should use the formal form soyez vous-même instead of sois toi-même.
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking professional environments, the advice to soyez vous-même can actually be seen as a faux pas. Unlike in Anglophone cultures, French business etiquette often expects a degree of separation between one's private personality and their professional persona.
- While sois toi-même is a common way to offer advice, the French often use the phrase reste toi-même (stay yourself) to convey the same sentiment of authenticity.
- The word même in this phrase is a linguistic chameleon. Depending on where it is placed, it can transform from an intensive pronoun meaning 'self' into an adverb meaning 'even' or an adjective meaning 'same'.
Examples in context
- Soyez vous-même dans votre démarche artistique.Be yourself in your artistic approach.
- Sois toi-même, ne laisse jamais les autres te définir.Be yourself, never let others define you.
- Restez authentique, c'est la clé du bonheur.Stay true to yourself, it's the key to happiness.
- Reste toi-même, c'est ce qui te rend unique.Stay true to yourself, it's what makes you unique.
- Ne t'inquiète pas, sois toi-même !Don't worry, be yourself!
- Ne change rien, sois toi-même.Don't change anything, be yourself.
- Sois toi-même lors de ton entretien.Be yourself during your interview.
- Il faut que tu sois toi-même.You have to be yourself.
Example conversation
Léa is nervous before a first date with a new person.
- GabrielTu es très nerveuse pour ce rendez-vous ?Are you very nervous for this date?
- LéaOui, j'ai peur de ne pas lui plaire.Yes, I am afraid he won't like me.
- GabrielNe t'inquiète pas, sois toi-même.Don't worry, be yourself.
- LéaMerci Gabriel, ça me rassure.Thanks Gabriel, that reassures me.
