tu vas
In French, tu vas is the way to say going you.
The phrase is used to ask someone where they are going or how they are doing. For example, using it as a question, Tu vas bien ?, is a common way to ask how someone is doing, equivalent to "How are you?"
Which one should you use?
Use vous allez instead of tu vas when addressing more than one person or when using the formal "you" to show respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
tu vas is the second-person singular present indicative of the verb aller (to go).
Did you know?
- The word vas shares its ancient roots with the Latin 'vadis', which is the same root found in the English word 'evade'.
- The distinction between tu vas and vous allez is so socially charged that using tu with a stranger or a superior can be seen as a deliberate insult or a sign of aggression.
- Despite the literal meaning of aller being 'to go', it is the primary verb used in French to express the future tense, much like 'going to' in English.
Examples in context
- Où tu vas ?Where are you going?
- Tu vas où avec ce sac ?Where are you going with that bag?
- Tu vas au supermarché ?Are you going to the supermarket?
Example conversation
Manon sees Lucas leaving the apartment with his keys.
- ManonOù tu vas, Lucas ?Where are you going, Lucas?
- LucasTu sais, je vais à la bibliothèque.You know, I am going to the library.
- ManonTu vas y rester longtemps ?Are you going to stay there long?
- LucasOui, je dois travailler un peu.Yes, I have to work a little.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, vas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
