Tu as bien dormi ?
The English phrase "did you sleep well?" is translated into French as Tu as bien dormi ?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone if they had a good night's rest.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Tu as bien dormi ? literally translates to 'You have well slept?'
Which one should you use?
The default form Tu as bien dormi ? is used for friends, family or children, whereas Vous avez bien dormi ? is the polite or plural version.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, it is common to add hier soir to the question to specify the timeframe, as in As-tu bien dormi hier soir?
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people, use the formal or plural version Vous avez bien dormi ?
When do people say it?
A common natural response to this question is Bien, merci. Et toi ? (Well, thanks. And you?).
Did you know?
- In French, if someone asks Tu as bien dormi ? and you did not, you can respond with the idiomatic expression J'ai passé une nuit blanche, meaning you spent a 'white night'.
- The pronoun tu in the phrase Tu as bien dormi ? shares a direct ancient root with the German word 'du' and the Russian word ты.
- Depending on the region, a French speaker might use Tu as fait un bon dodo ? when asking a child if they slept well, as dodo is a baby-talk version of 'sleep'.
Examples in context
- Dis-moi, tu as bien dormi ?Tell me, did you sleep well?
Example conversation
A couple chatting in the kitchen during breakfast.
- NathanBonjour Chloé, tu as bien dormi ?Good morning Chloé, did you sleep well?
- ChloéOui, très bien, merci.Yes, very well, thank you.
- NathanMoi aussi, je suis en forme.Me too, I am feeling refreshed.
- ChloéC'est parfait pour commencer la journée.That is perfect to start the day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries as, bien, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
