What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tu as une cigarette ? literally translates to "do you have a cigarette?"
Which one should you use?
You might use Tu aurais une cigarette? to ask "Do you have a cigarette?" in an informal setting. For a more slang-oriented approach, you can use Est-ce que je peux piquer une clope? or J'peux prendre une clope? to mean "Can I bum a smoke?" or "Can I have a smoke?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite or formal request to a stranger, use Puis-je avoir une cigarette, s'il vous plaît? or Est-ce que je peux avoir une cigarette, s'il vous plaît? If you are asking to borrow a cigarette from a stranger more formally, you can say est-ce que je pourrais vous emprunter une cigarette ? For peers, the informal je peux t'emprunter une cigarette ? is a very natural way to ask. In casual settings with friends, you can use Est-ce que je peux piquer une clope? or J'peux prendre une clope?
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a stranger or someone you do not know well, replace the informal tu as une cigarette ? with the polite or plural form vous avez une cigarette ?
When do people say it?
When someone gives you a cigarette, a common response is Tiens in informal situations or Tenez in formal situations, both meaning "Here (take it)."
Did you know?
- The word cigarette is distantly related to the Latin word cicāda, which means 'cicada'. Both words refer to things that make a buzzing or whistling sound.
- The verb piquer, which is used in the phrase piquer une clope, literally means 'to sting' or 'to prick' like a needle.
- In French, the verb emprunter used in je peux t'emprunter une cigarette? means 'to borrow'. This is a very common way to ask for a cigarette, even though you are not actually intending to return it.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, vous avez une cigarette ?Excuse me, do you have a cigarette?
- Dis, tu as une cigarette ?Say, do you have a cigarette?
Example conversation
Two friends are standing outside a café.
- ChloéExcuse-moi, tu as une cigarette ?Excuse me, do you have a cigarette?
- NathanOui, j'en ai une pour toi.Yes, I have one for you.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, Nathan.Thank you very much, Nathan.
- NathanDe rien, Chloé.You're welcome, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries as, cigarette, tu, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
