tiens-moi au courant
In French, the phrase 'let me know' is translated as tiens-moi au courant.
This phrase is a request for someone to provide new information or updates about a situation as it develops. While it can be used to ask for updates, it differs from dis-moi (tell me), which is typically used when asking for a specific piece of information rather than an evolving situation.
Which one should you use?
The expression tiens-moi au courant implies a continuous update on an evolving situation, whereas dis-moi is used for a specific fact. In a highly colloquial or slang setting, you can use tiens-moi au jus, which replaces the word for 'current' with the word for 'juice'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebecois French, Laisse-moi savoir is an informal way to say 'let me know'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form tiens-moi au courant uses the singular imperative, which is appropriate for friends, family or peers. You should use tenez-moi au courant instead of tiens-moi au courant when speaking to a superior, a stranger or a group of people.
Did you know?
- The slang version tiens-moi au jus replaces 'current' with 'juice'. In French, le jus is a common colloquialism for electricity, similar to how English speakers might call a power cable a 'cord'.
- In Quebec, the phrase Laisse-moi savoir is common, but it is actually a calque, or a direct word-for-word translation, from the English 'let me know'.
- Because courant is an adjective derived from the verb courir, the phrase is etymologically linked to the act of 'running'.
Examples in context
- Tiens-moi au courant de tes progrès.Keep me posted on your progress.
- Tiens-moi au courant si tu as des nouvelles.Let me know if you have any news.
- Tiens-moi au courant dès que tu arrives.Let me know as soon as you arrive.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about a job interview.
- LéaTu as passé ton entretien ce matin ?Did you have your interview this morning?
- NathanOui, c'est fini, mais j'attends la réponse.Yes, it's finished, but I'm waiting for the answer.
- LéaD'accord, tiens-moi au courant !Okay, let me know!
- NathanJe le ferai, promis.I will, I promise.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries courant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
