Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “come” in French! Whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary, impress your friends, or travel to a French-speaking country, knowing how to express this simple yet fundamental word is essential. In this article, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying “come” in French, providing you with various regional nuances and helpful tips. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Come” in French
If you’re in a formal setting or need to address someone respectfully, here are some phrases you can use to convey the meaning of “come” in French:
- Venez – This is the formal imperative form of the verb “venir” (to come). It is used when addressing someone respectfully or in a formal situation. For example, if you’re inviting someone to join you at a formal event, you can say, “Venez avec moi” (Come with me).
- Approchez – This is another formal imperative form used to ask someone to come closer or approach you. For instance, if you’re guiding a person to a particular spot, you can politely say, “Approchez, s’il vous plaît” (Please come closer).
- Rejoignez-nous – When you want someone to come and join a group, you can say “Rejoignez-nous” (Join us).
Informal Ways to Say “Come” in French
If you’re in a casual or informal setting, interacting with friends, family, or peers, here are some common phrases to use when saying “come” in French:
- Viens or Viens ici – “Viens” is the informal singular form of the imperative verb “venir” (to come). It is used when addressing a friend or someone you’re comfortable with. For example, you can say, “Viens ici” (Come here) when calling a friend over to you.
- Allez – This is a commonly used informal verb form to say “Come on.” It is used more casually and with friends or peers. For instance, if you’re urging your friends to join you in an activity, you might say, “Allez, viens !” (Come on, come!)
- On y va – This phrase means “Let’s go” and is often used to invite someone to come along. It implies an informal and inclusive tone, making it useful when going out with friends or family. For example, you can say, “On y va au cinéma” (Let’s go to the cinema).
Tips and Examples:
Tip: Remember that French verbs often have different forms depending on the subject. So, when using an imperative form of “venir,” be mindful of who you’re addressing: singular (tu), plural (vous), or plural with friends/family (nous).
Let’s see some practical examples of how to say “come” in various contexts:
- If you’re at a formal gathering and want to ask someone to come to the stage, you can say: “Venez sur scène, s’il vous plaît” (Come to the stage, please).
- When inviting your friend to your house, you can say: “Viens chez moi ce soir !” (Come to my place tonight!)
- In an informal setting, if you want your siblings to come and see something exciting, you can say: “Allez, venez voir ça !” (Come on, come and see this!)
- When calling your pet to come to you, you can say: “Viens ici, [pet’s name] !” (Come here, [pet’s name]!)
Regional Variations
The French language exhibits slight regional variations. While the phrases mentioned above are widely used across different French-speaking regions, it’s worth noting some variations:
- In Quebec (Canada), “Viens” is often replaced with “Viens-t’en” for the “come” meaning. For example, “Viens-t’en ici” (Come here).
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now equipped with a variety of ways to say “come” in French, both formally and informally. Remember to choose your phrases wisely based on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. Practice using these phrases and pay attention to the subject forms to ensure grammatical accuracy. With time and practice, you’ll become proficient in expressing this fundamental concept in French. Bonne chance (Good luck)!