What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tu as mangé ? is a literal translation of "you have eaten?", using the auxiliary verb avoir (to have) and the past participle of manger (to eat).
Which one should you use?
You can use As-tu déjà mangé? to specifically ask "Have you already eaten?" in informal settings. For more specific inquiries regarding dinner, you might use Avez-vous déjà dîné? (formal) or T'as déjà dîné? (informal). You can also use T'as pris ton repas? to ask "Have you had your meal?" informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes from tu as mangé ? to avez-vous mangé ? when addressing a person formally or a group of people.
When do people say it?
A standard positive response to the question is Oui, j'ai mangé. and a standard negative response is Non, je n'ai pas mangé.
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking African countries, asking if someone has eaten is a primary way of greeting a guest, functioning more like 'how are you?' than a question about food.
- Asking tu as mangé ? can sometimes serve as a polite 'buffer' or social lubricant before asking for a favor, rather than a literal inquiry about hunger.
- The word tu shares a direct ancestor with the German du and the Russian ты, all originating from the Proto-Indo-European root *túh₂.
Examples in context
- T'as mangé ce midi?Have you eaten at lunchtime?
- Avez-vous déjà pris votre repas aujourd'hui?Have you already had your meal today?
- Avez-vous déjà dîné, Monsieur/Madame?Have you already had dinner, Sir/Madam?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa meet at the office during lunch hour.
- GabrielSalut Léa, tu as mangé ?Hi Léa, have you eaten?
- LéaNon, pas encore.No, not yet.
- GabrielTu veux venir au café ?Do you want to come to the café?
- LéaOui, c'est une bonne idée !Yes, that's a good idea!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries as, mangé, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
