What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative fais-le (do it) and the idiomatic expression c'est tout (that is all/that's it).
Which one should you use?
Other variations exist depending on the tone. For example, Vas-y, fais-le translates to "Go for it, do it" and Lâche-toi, lance-toi or Ne réfléchis pas, fonce are also used informally. For a more formal setting, you might use N'hésitez pas, agissez.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form fais-le, c'est tout uses the tu form, which makes it appropriate for friends, family or peers, but not for formal settings or strangers. If you need to be formal, use N'hésitez pas, agissez.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing and what you are referring to. If you are speaking to more than one person or using the formal vous form, you must change fais-le to faites-le, resulting in faites-le, c'est tout. Additionally, if the action refers to a feminine noun, such as une tâche (a task), the direct object pronoun changes from le to la, making the phrase fais-la, c'est tout.
Did you know?
- The informal command fonce, used to tell someone to 'just do it', literally means 'charge' or 'plunge forward' like a bull or a soldier.
- The phrase Lâche-toi is a common informal way to say 'just do it', but it literally translates to 'untie yourself'.
- While lance-toi is used to say 'just do it', the verb lancer literally means 'to throw'. The phrase effectively tells the person to 'throw yourself' into the activity.
Examples in context
- Pour réussir, n'hésitez pas, agissez maintenant !To succeed, don't hesitate, just act now!
- Tu as peur de monter sur scène ? Vas-y, fais-le et montre ton talent !Are you afraid of going on stage? Go for it, do it, and show your talent!
- Tu veux danser comme personne ne regarde ? Lâche-toi, lance-toi et amuse-toi !Want to dance like nobody's watching? Let loose, give it a shot, and have fun!
- Veux-tu réaliser ton rêve ? Ne réfléchis pas, fonce et vis-le à fond !Do you want to make your dream come true? Don't think twice, go for it, and live it to the fullest!
- Arrête de réfléchir, fais-le, c'est tout.Stop thinking, just do it.
- N'hésite pas, fais-le, c'est tout.Don't hesitate, just do it.
Example conversation
Lucas is hesitant to sign up for a marathon.
- ManonTu devrais t'inscrire pour la course.You should sign up for the race.
- LucasJe ne sais pas, c'est trop difficile.I don't know, it's too difficult.
- ManonAllez, fais-le, c'est tout !Come on, just do it!
- LucasD'accord, je vais le faire.Okay, I will do it.
