entrez
In French, 'come in' is expressed as entrez.
The word entrez is used as a polite invitation or command to tell someone to enter a room or a building. It can be used alone as a command or invitation without needing a subject or an additional verb for 'to come'.
Which one should you use?
The form entrez is used for formal situations or when addressing more than one person. In contrast, the form entre is used when speaking to a single person you know well or a child.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form entre is used instead of entrez when speaking to a single person you know well or a child.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say venez entrer by translating 'come in' literally. Instead, use the single verb entrez as it is the natural way to express this.
Did you know?
- In a theater or cinema, the sign for 'entrance' is entrée, but this word also refers to the first course of a meal in French cuisine.
- While entrez is the command to enter, French uses the verb rentrer to mean 'going back home' or returning to a place where one belongs.
- In many French households, if a guest is standing at the door, the host might say Faites comme chez vous to invite them in, which translates to 'make yourself at home' rather than a literal command to enter.
Examples in context
- Entrez, je vous prie.Please come in.This sentence shows how to use entrez in a polite request.Tatoeba #10928 by sacredceltic, translation #435705 by CK
- Stop ! N'entrez pas !Stop! Don't come in!This sentence shows how to use entrez in a negative command.Tatoeba #6945562 by felix63, translation #6948432 by kaiperkins271
- Entrez, s'il vous plaît.Do come in, please.This sentence shows how to use entrez with a polite phrase.Tatoeba #427647 by Archibald, translation #38905 by Swift
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas knocks on Léa's office door.
- LéaEntrez, Lucas !Come in, Lucas!
- LucasMerci, je peux m'asseoir ?Thank you, may I sit down?
- LéaOui, installez-vous.Yes, make yourself comfortable.
- LucasC'est très gentil de votre part.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
