appelle-moi si tu te perds
The English phrase "call me if you get lost" is translated into French as appelle-moi si tu te perds.
This phrase is used to make a request for someone to telephone the speaker if they cannot find their way.
How does it change in a sentence?
French requires you to choose between informal and formal address. Use the informal tu form, such as appelle-moi si tu te perds, when speaking to friends, family or children. If you are speaking to someone formally or to a group of people, you must use the vous form, such as appelez-moi si vous vous perdez.
Did you know?
- The word si in this phrase is a homonym that can also mean 'yes' specifically when contradicting a negative statement.
- To 'get lost' in French, se perdre, can describe more than just a wrong turn. It is also a common way to describe someone who is daydreaming or lost in thought.
- The word tu shares a deep ancestral connection with the German word 'du' and the Russian 'ты'. They all stem from the same Proto-Indo-European roots for the second-person singular pronoun.
Examples in context
- Si tu te perds, appelle-moi, s'il te plaît.If you get lost, please call me.
- Appelle-moi si tu te perds dans la forêt.Call me if you get lost in the forest.
- Appelle-moi si tu te perds en ville.Call me if you get lost in town.
Example conversation
Léa is giving directions to Lucas before he leaves for a hike.
- LéaLe sentier est un peu difficile, Lucas.The trail is a bit difficult, Lucas.
- LucasNe t'inquiète pas, je connais le chemin.Don't worry, I know the way.
- LéaD'accord, mais appelle-moi si tu te perds.Okay, but call me if you get lost.
- LucasPromis, je le ferai.I promise, I will do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries si, te, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
