aller voir
To go see in French is aller voir.
The phrase aller voir is used both for physical movement to a location (like a museum) and for the act of checking on or investigating something (like a doctor or a problem).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb aller (to go) and the verb voir (to see).
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an infinitive, the two verbs are placed side by side without a preposition between them.
Did you know?
- Although voir means 'to see', French uses it in the phrase on verra to mean 'we will see', which is frequently used as a polite way to say 'no' or 'maybe' without committing.
- The word voir shares a prehistoric root with the English word 'wit'. Both derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *weyd-, which linked the act of seeing with the act of knowing.
- If you are told to aller voir a person, it often implies a quick, casual visit rather than a structured or formal appointment.
Examples in context
- Tu devrais aller voir un docteur.You should go see a doctor.This sentence is useful for suggesting someone go see a doctor using aller voir.Tatoeba #8823969 by Aiji, translation #5308284 by mailohilohi
- Accepterais-tu d'aller voir un film avec moi ?Would you like to go see a movie with me?This sentence is useful for asking someone to go see a film using aller voir.Tatoeba #1593895 by sacredceltic, translation #27701 by CK
- Vous devez absolument aller voir ce film. Il est magnifique.You absolutely have to go see this film. It's wonderful.This sentence is useful for recommending that someone absolutely go see a film using aller voir.Tatoeba #6737384 by felix63, translation #6888219 by voxbubnya
- Vous devriez aller voir notre responsable des ressources humaines pour obtenir les informations nécessaires.You should go see our human resources manager to get the necessary information.
- Regarde, jette un coup d'œil à cette magnifique vue depuis la fenêtre.Look, go see this beautiful view from the window.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are talking about a new art exhibition.
- LucasOn devrait aller voir cette exposition.We should go see this exhibition.
- EmmaC'est une excellente idée, Lucas.That is an excellent idea, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce qu'on va voir les peintures demain ?Are we going to go see the paintings tomorrow?
- EmmaOui, j'aimerais beaucoup y aller.Yes, I would really like to go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aller, voir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
