aller tout droit
The French phrase for go straight is aller tout droit.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to continue moving in a direct line without turning.
What does it mean word for word?
The component tout droit literally translates to 'all straight' or 'completely straight'.
Which one should you use?
While aller tout droit is the base phrase for going straight, you can use tourner à gauche to say turn left or tourner à droite to say turn right.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving directions, the form you use depends on who you are addressing. For a stranger or a group, use the imperative form allez tout droit. For a friend or a child, use the informal imperative form va tout droit.
Did you know?
- The word droit in aller tout droit is a doublet of the English word 'direct'. Both words share the same Latin ancestor, dīrēctus.
- In French, droit means both 'straight' and 'right' in a legal or moral sense. This is why the French word for 'law' is le droit.
- A common mistake for English speakers is confusing tout droit with à droite. While they sound similar, à droite means 'to the right', which is the opposite of going straight.
Examples in context
- Aller tout droit et vous le trouverez. Vous ne pouvez pas le manquer.Go straight ahead and you will find it. You can't miss it.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use aller tout droit when providing directions.Tatoeba #430580 by pasquet_fernando, translation #32538 by mailohilohi
- Allez tout droit et tournez à gauche au prochain feu.Go straight and turn left at the next light.
- Il faut aller tout droit.You must go straight ahead.
- Vous devez aller tout droit après la banque.You must go straight after the bank.
Example conversation
Léa is giving Lucas directions to a pharmacy.
- LéaExcuse-moi, Lucas, où est la pharmacie ?Excuse me, Lucas, where is the pharmacy?
- LucasIl faut aller tout droit pendant deux minutes.You have to go straight for two minutes.
- LéaEst-ce que je dois tourner ensuite ?Do I need to turn after that?
- LucasNon, elle est juste là-bas.No, it is just over there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aller, droit, tout, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
