donne-moi ça
To say "give me that" in French, you use donne-moi ça.
This phrase is used as a request or command to have someone hand over a specific object. Because it is a direct command, it can sound blunt or rude depending on the tone of voice you use.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb donne (give), the indirect object pronoun moi (to me) and the demonstrative pronoun ça (that).
Which one should you use?
The default form donne-moi ça is used for informal, singular situations. In contrast, you should use donnez-moi ça when addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people to maintain politeness or plural agreement.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form donne-moi ça is informal and uses the tu form of the verb, making it suitable for friends, family or children. For a formal way to say this, you can use Pouvez-vous me donner cela, s'il vous plaît?
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to more than one person or when using the formal vous form, you must use donnez-moi ça instead of donne-moi ça.
Did you know?
- The word donner can be used in expressions that have nothing to do with handing over an object, such as donner rendez-vous which means to arrange a meeting.
- The word ça is a shortened version of cela, which itself is a combination of the word ce and the location marker là.
- While 'donne-moi ça' is a direct command, French culture often relies on adding s'il te plaît to avoid appearing aggressive. Without this addition, even a small request can be perceived as a harsh order.
Examples in context
- Donne-moi ça.Give me that.This sentence is a simple example of the phrase donne-moi ça.Tatoeba #5571062 by nimfeo, translation #2245526 by CK
- Vite, donne-moi ça.Quick, give me that.This sentence shows the phrase donne-moi ça being used with an added sense of urgency.Tatoeba #7099028 by Aiji, translation #3151308 by CK
- Donne-moi ça, s'il te plaît.Give me that, please.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are cleaning up the living room.
- EmmaDonne-moi ça, Lucas.Give me that, Lucas.
- LucasC'est quoi ? Le livre ?What is it? The book?
- EmmaOui, donne-moi ça.Yes, give me that.
- LucasD'accord, le voilà.Okay, here it is.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
