viens
The English phrase "come on" can be translated into French as viens when used as an expression of encouragement.
viens is used to invite someone to join or follow, adding a sense of urgency or excitement. While it serves as an expression of encouragement, it is most literally used as a command to physically move toward the speaker.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
Which one should you use?
While viens can mean 'come on' as an encouragement, it is most literally used as a command to physically move toward the speaker. For more general motivation or encouragement, the versatile phrase Allez is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of the South of France, the phrase Allez, oh is used to express impatience or disbelief.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form viens is used when addressing a single person with whom you have a familiar relationship (tu).
Did you know?
- The word viens is a form of the verb venir, which is a linguistic relative of the English word 'avenue'. Both words trace back to the Latin 'advenire', meaning 'to arrive'.
- The phrase Allez comes from the verb 'to go', meaning the French often encourage someone to 'come on' by telling them to 'go'. This differs from the English focus on the person moving toward the speaker.
- While viens is for a friend, you would use venez to tell a stranger or a group of people to 'come on'. Using the familiar viens with a boss or a teacher could be seen as a serious social faux pas.
Examples in context
- Bill, viens ici !Come on, Bill.This sentence shows how to use viens to call someone to a location.Tatoeba #8593782 by Micsmithel, translation #35838 by CP
- Viens dans mon bureau.Come on into my office.This sentence shows how viens can be used to invite someone into a space.Tatoeba #2991779 by Ppjet6, translation #2951595 by CK
- Tu me cherches ? Viens !You want a piece of me? Come on!This sentence demonstrates using viens as a provocative or challenging encouragement.Tatoeba #799808 by sacredceltic, translation #757820 by darinmex
- Allez! Venez, on peut le faire!Come on! Let's go, we can do it!
- Dépêche-toi, on va être en retard!Hurry up, we're going to be late!
- Viens, on danse!Come on, let's dance!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo is trying to convince Chloé to go for a walk.
- HugoIl fait beau, on sort ?The weather is nice, shall we go out?
- ChloéJe suis trop fatiguée.I am too tired.
- HugoAllez, viens ! Ce sera bien.Come on, come on! It will be nice.
- ChloéD'accord, je me prépare.Alright, I'll get ready.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
