allez tout droit
In French, the phrase 'go straight ahead' is translated as allez tout droit.
A direction given to someone to continue moving forward in a direct line without turning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase allez tout droit is composed of the verb allez (go), the adverb tout (all/completely) and the adverbial phrase droit (straight).
Which one should you use?
While allez tout droit means to continue in a straight line, tournez would be used if the person needed to turn.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form allez tout droit uses the formal or plural 'vous', while va tout droit is the informal singular form used with friends or children. Using the first-person plural imperative allons tout droit changes the meaning from a command to a suggestion of a shared direction, meaning 'let's go straight ahead'.
Did you know?
- In French, the word droit is used for both 'straight' and 'right' as in 'a legal right'. This is because both concepts originally shared the idea of being 'correct' or 'just'.
- The word tout in allez tout droit acts as an intensifier. Without it, allez droit can sound like a command to be honest or upright rather than a direction for a road.
- While tout droit means 'straight ahead', using the word droite to describe a direction means 'to the right'. A single letter change shifts the meaning from forward to a 90-degree turn.
Examples in context
- Allez tout droit et vous verrez la banque.Go straight ahead and you will see the bank.This sentence shows how to use allez tout droit to describe finding a location.Tatoeba #3258698 by Aiji, translation #3258699 by CM
- Allez tout droit le long de cette rue.Go straight ahead along this street.This sentence demonstrates using allez tout droit to provide directions along a specific street.Tatoeba #2139683 by GLOBULE38, translation #57615 by papabear
- Allez tout droit jusqu'au feu rouge.Go straight ahead until the traffic light.
Example conversation
Léa is giving directions to Gabriel on the street.
- LéaPardon, où est la poste ?Excuse me, where is the post office?
- GabrielAllez tout droit, c'est après le parc.Go straight ahead, it is after the park.
- LéaC'est loin d'ici ?Is it far from here?
- GabrielNon, c'est à deux minutes.No, it is two minutes away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
