si ça ne vous dérange pas
The English phrase "if you don't mind" is translated into French as si ça ne vous dérange pas.
This phrase is a polite way to ask for permission or to make a request without causing inconvenience.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase si ça ne vous dérange pas is a literal translation of "if that does not bother you".
Which one should you use?
The default form si ça ne vous dérange pas uses the formal vous and should be used with strangers, superiors or groups of people. In informal settings, you should use si ça ne te dérange pas. You may also use si ça ne te dérange pas trop to mean "if you don't mind too much" in an informal way. For a different nuance, si cela ne vous ennuie pas can be used to say "if it doesn't bother you" in formal conversations.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a friend, a family member or someone you address as tu, use si ça ne te dérange pas instead of si ça ne vous dérange pas.
Did you know?
- The verb déranger in this phrase shares a root with the English word 'derange'. While 'derange' usually means to make insane in English, in French it simply means to disturb or move something out of place.
- In ancient French, speakers could use words for 'a drop' goutte or 'a crumb' mie instead of pas to strengthen a negative sentence. This meant the phrase would literally be 'if it does not bother you a crumb'.
- In very informal spoken French, speakers often drop the ne entirely and say si ça vous dérange pas. This is common in daily conversation despite being grammatically incorrect in written French.
Examples in context
- Je le ferai, si ça ne vous dérange pas.I'll do it if you don't mind.This sentence shows how to use si ça ne vous dérange pas to express intent.Tatoeba #4835816 by sacredceltic, translation #2543100 by CK
- Posez ces livres sur mon bureau, si ça ne vous dérange pas.Lay these books on my desk, if you don't mind.This sentence demonstrates a request using si ça ne vous dérange pas.Tatoeba #403914 by trotter, translation #29864 by RoyalBee
- Si ça ne vous dérange pas, pourrions-nous inspecter votre valise ?If you don't mind, may we inspect your suitcase?This sentence illustrates a polite question using si ça ne vous dérange pas.Tatoeba #956296 by sacredceltic, translation #953948 by CK
- Si cela ne vous dérange pas, pourriez-vous m'indiquer où se trouve la bibliothèque?If you don't mind, could you please tell me where the library is located?
- Si ça ne te dérange pas trop, est-ce que tu peux garder mon sac un instant?If you don't mind too much, could you keep an eye on my bag for a moment?
- Tu ne m'en voudras pas si j'ouvre la fenêtre?You won't mind if I open the window, will you?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is asking Nathan for a seat on the bus.
- ChloéEst-ce que je peux m'asseoir ici, si ça ne vous dérange pas ?Can I sit here, if you don't mind?
- NathanOui, bien sûr, allez-y.Yes, of course, go ahead.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, Nathan.Thank you very much, Nathan.
- NathanJe vous en prie, Chloé.You're welcome, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ne, pas, si, vous, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
