et vous
et vous is the French way to say "and you?" when returning a question.
The phrase is used to ask the same question back to someone in a polite or formal manner. Other variations used for this purpose include the formal Et vous-même? (And yourself?) and the formal Et comment allez-vous? (And how are you?).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the conjunction et (and) and the second-person plural or formal pronoun vous (you).
Which one should you use?
While et vous is used to return a question to a person you address formally or to a group of people, et toi? is the version used when addressing someone informally.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
et vous is a formal and polite expression. It is the appropriate choice for returning a question in formal settings, such as when speaking with strangers, superiors or elders.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Switzerland, et vous-autres? is used as an informal alternative to et vous?
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Bonjour, comment ça va? Et vous?Hello, how are you? And you?
- Très heureux de vous rencontrer. Et comment allez-vous?Very pleased to meet you. And how are you?
- Je vais bien, et vous ?I am doing well, and you?
- Je viens de Paris, et vous ?I come from Paris, and you?
- J'aime beaucoup le café, et vous ?I like coffee very much, and you?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are meeting at a formal business lunch.
- GabrielEnchanté, Chloé. Comment allez-vous ?Nice to meet you, Chloé. How are you?
- ChloéTrès bien, merci. Et vous, Gabriel ?Very well, thank you. And you, Gabriel?
- GabrielJe vais très bien aussi.I am doing very well too.
- ChloéC'est une excellente nouvelle.That is excellent news.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
