écoute-moi
The English phrase "listen to me" is translated in French as écoute-moi.
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to pay attention to what you are saying. You can also use variations like Écoute-moi bien to tell someone to listen to you carefully.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on who you are addressing. Use écoute-moi for an informal singular subject, but change the imperative to écoutez-moi when addressing a single person with formal respect or a group of people. When forming a negative command, such as "don't listen to me", the pronoun moves before the verb and the hyphen is dropped: ne m'écoute pas.
Did you know?
- When a French speaker says Écoute ! without the moi, it often functions as an interjection of surprise or a way to introduce a shocking piece of gossip, similar to 'Get this!' in English.
- While écoute-moi is a direct command, adding the word donc to create Écoute-moi donc can actually make the phrase sound more casual or even slightly impatient, depending on the tone.
- While écoute-moi is a direct command, French speakers often use the phrase Écoute un peu ('Listen a little') to soften the instruction, making it sound more like an invitation to pay attention rather than a blunt order.
Examples in context
- Bon Dieu, écoute-moi !God, listen to me!This sentence shows how to use écoute-moi in an exclamation.Tatoeba #1043629 by sacredceltic, translation #1042693 by GPHemsley
- Écoute-moi, je te prie.Listen to me, will you?This sentence illustrates how to use écoute-moi with a polite request.Tatoeba #1030459 by sacredceltic, translation #250801 by CK
- Sois calme et écoute-moi.Be quiet and listen to me.This sentence shows how to use écoute-moi as part of a sequence of instructions.Tatoeba #805649 by sacredceltic, translation #272038 by CK
- Écoutez-moi, s'il vous plaît. J'ai une proposition intéressante à vous présenter.Listen to me, please. I have an interesting proposal to present to you.
- Écoute-moi bien, je suis vraiment heureux en ce moment!Listen to me carefully, I am really happy right now!
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is distracted while Manon is trying to give him directions.
- ManonÉcoute-moi, Gabriel.Listen to me, Gabriel.
- GabrielDésolé, je t'écoute.Sorry, I am listening to you.
- ManonTourne à gauche après le parc.Turn left after the park.
- GabrielC'est compris, Manon.Understood, Manon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
