dis-moi quand
The English phrase 'let me know when' can be translated into French using dis-moi quand.
This phrase is used to ask someone to provide information at the moment a specific event happens or a condition is met.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dis-moi quand is a literal translation of 'tell me when'. The word dis is the imperative of dire (to tell) and moi is 'me'.
Which one should you use?
While dis-moi quand is a direct way to say 'let me know when', you may also use the idiomatic alternative tiens-moi au courant quand, which means 'keep me updated/posted when'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of verb form depends on whom you are addressing. Use the informal dis-moi quand when speaking to friends, family or peers. However, you should use dites-moi quand instead of dis-moi quand when speaking to a stranger, a superior or more than one person.
Did you know?
- The idiomatic alternative tiens-moi au courant literally means 'hold me in the current', imagining the flow of information like an electric current or a stream.
- In French, if you want to say 'let me know when' regarding a future event, you must use the future tense after quand, such as dis-moi quand tu arriveras. In English, we use the present tense 'when you arrive', but in French, the future tense is mandatory.
- To avoid sounding too demanding when saying dis-moi quand, French speakers frequently wrap the phrase in a question using est-ce que tu peux.
Examples in context
- Faites-moi savoir quand vous aurez terminé le rapport.Let me know when you have finished the report.
- Prévenez-moi lorsque le vol arrive à destination.Let me know when the flight arrives at the destination.
- Veuillez m'informer dès que les résultats seront disponibles.Please inform me as soon as the results are available.
- Dis-moi quand tu es prêt à partir.Let me know when you are ready to leave.
- Tiens-moi au courant lorsque tu auras fini de préparer les invitations.Keep me updated when you finish preparing the invitations.
- Dis-moi quand tu seras prêt.Let me know when you are ready.
- Dis-moi quand le colis arrive.Let me know when the package arrives.
- Dis-moi quand tu as fini ton travail.Let me know when you have finished your work.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are planning to go to the cinema.
- HugoDis-moi quand tu as le billet.Let me know when you have the ticket.
- EmmaD'accord, je te préviens dès que possible.Okay, I will let you know as soon as possible.
- HugoEst-ce que tu peux l'acheter maintenant ?Can you buy it now?
- EmmaNon, je dois attendre la confirmation.No, I have to wait for the confirmation.
