pouvez-vous appeler
pouvez-vous appeler is the French way to say "can you call".
This phrase is used to request that someone contact another person by telephone. Note that the verb appeler is used both for calling someone on the phone and for calling out someone's name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the conjugated verb pouvoir (can/to be able to), the subject pronoun vous (you) and the infinitive appeler (to call).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form pouvez-vous appeler uses the formal vous and is used when addressing one person formally or when addressing more than one person. In contrast, peux-tu appeler is the informal version used for friends or family.
Did you know?
- If you use appeler to refer to a person's name, the French language uses a reflexive form s'appeler, literally meaning 'to call oneself'.
- The word appeler is a distant relative of the English word 'appeal', as both come from the Latin root for calling or addressing someone.
- While appeler means 'to call', the French word for a telephone call itself is un appel, which can also mean 'a plea' or 'a cry for help'.
Examples in context
- Pouvez-vous appeler un médecin, s'il vous plaît ?Can you call a doctor please?This sentence shows how to use pouvez-vous appeler to request a doctor.Tatoeba #6060075 by christian63, translation #6060893 by colwem
- Pouvez-vous appeler Marie et lui dire que nous sommes ici ?Can you call Mary and tell her that we are here?This sentence shows how to use pouvez-vous appeler to tell someone that you have arrived.Tatoeba #12155529 by carlosalberto, translation #12155393 by carlosalberto
- Est-ce que vous pourriez appeler M. Dupont? Il est en réunion.Could you call Mr. Dupont? He is in a meeting.
- Peux-tu passer un coup de fil pour vérifier la réservation?Can you make a phone call to check the reservation?
- Pouvez-vous appeler le taxi pour nous ?Can you call a taxi for us?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are at a restaurant.
- LéaLucas, pouvez-vous appeler le serveur ?Lucas, can you call the waiter?
- LucasOui, je m'en occupe tout de suite.Yes, I'll take care of it right away.
- LéaMerci, nous avons besoin de l'addition.Thanks, we need the bill.
- LucasPas de problème, je le cherche.No problem, I'll look for him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries appeler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
