tu as bien dormi ?
The English phrase "how did you sleep?" can be expressed in French as tu as bien dormi ?
This phrase is used to ask someone about the quality of their sleep after they wake up.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tu as bien dormi ? literally translates to "you have well slept?" in English.
Which one should you use?
While English uses "how" to ask about the quality of sleep, the standard French way to ask this is to use a positive statement with a question mark, effectively asking "Did you sleep well?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the variation Tu as bien dormi? is used instead of using the shortened t'as.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use vous avez bien dormi ? instead of tu as bien dormi ? when speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people.
When do people say it?
A common and natural way to respond to this question is Très bien, merci (Very well, thank you). If you had a bad night's sleep, you can respond with Pas très bien (Not very well).
Did you know?
- In French, if someone asks Tu as bien dormi ?, a common playful or idiomatic response to a bad night is J'ai dormi comme un pied, which means 'I slept like a foot'.
- While bien means 'well', French also uses the phrase dormir comme un loir to describe a very deep sleep, comparing the sleeper to a dormouse.
- Depending on the relationship, switching from tu to vous when asking this question is not just about formality but can signal a sudden emotional distance or coldness.
Examples in context
- Dis-moi, tu as bien dormi ?Tell me, did you sleep well?
- Bonjour, tu as bien dormi ?Good morning, did you sleep well?
Example conversation
A couple talking in their kitchen during breakfast.
- GabrielBonjour Chloé, tu as bien dormi ?Good morning Chloé, did you sleep well?
- ChloéOui, j'ai très bien dormi, merci.Yes, I slept very well, thank you.
- GabrielTant mieux, je suis content de l'entendre.That's good, I'm happy to hear that.
- ChloéEt toi, Gabriel, tu as bien dormi ?And you, Gabriel, did you sleep well?
