tu me veux
In French, the phrase "do you want me" is expressed as tu me veux.
This phrase is used to ask if someone desires you in a romantic or sexual way. While the verb used can mean "to want" in many contexts, this specific word order carries a strong romantic or sexual connotation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tu me veux breaks down into the subject tu (you), the object pronoun me (me) and the conjugated verb veux (want).
Which one should you use?
You can also use Est-ce que tu me veux ? to form a more standard question in spoken French. If you want to express desire more specifically, Tu as envie de moi? also translates to "Do you want me?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the statement into a standard question in spoken French, you can add Est-ce que to the beginning of the phrase.
Did you know?
- The pronoun tu is a cognate with the German 'du' and the Russian ты, all of which descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- While tu me veux is romantic, the verb vouloir can also imply a sense of possession or ownership over the person, much like the English word 'want'.
- Using the formal pronoun vous instead of tu in this phrase creates a cold emotional distance that can completely change the mood of the encounter.
Examples in context
- Est-ce que tu me veux ?Do you want me?
- Dis-moi, tu me veux vraiment ?Tell me, do you really want me?
- Je sais que tu me veux.I know that you want me.
Example conversation
A quiet evening at home.
- ManonDis-moi, tu me veux ?Tell me, do you want me?
- NathanOui, je te veux, Manon.Yes, I want you, Manon.
- ManonC'est tellement romantique.It is so romantic.
- NathanTu es magnifique ce soir.You are beautiful tonight.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
