vite vite
The phrase "quick quick" is translated into French as vite vite.
In colloquial French, doubling the adverb is a common way to emphasize extreme urgency or speed, urging someone to do something very quickly.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vite is an adverb meaning "fast" or "quickly".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The repetition of the adverb in vite vite is an informal, colloquial construction. You may also encounter the informal expression Vite fait bien fait, which means "quickly done, well done".
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, a French speaker might replace vite vite with the word fissa, borrowed from Arabic. This emphasizes an even higher level of urgency.
- The phrase Vite fait bien fait is a popular French proverb. It contradicts the common English sentiment that 'haste makes waste' by suggesting that speed and quality can coexist.
- The word vite might be a way of mimicking the actual sound of something moving fast through the air, acting as an onomatopoeia.
Examples in context
- On part là-bas vite-vite!Let's go over there quickly quickly!
- Nous sommes en retard! Vite vite, prenons un taxi!We are late! Quick quick, let's take a taxi!
- On a un train à attraper, dépêchons-nous, rapido presto!We have to catch a train, let's hurry up, rapido presto!
- Vite vite, on va être en retard !Quick quick, we are going to be late!
- Vite vite, le train part bientôt.Quick quick, the train is leaving soon.
- Mange vite vite, on doit partir.Eat quick quick, we have to go.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are trying to leave the house to catch a bus.
- LucasVite vite, Manon, prends tes clés !Quick quick, Manon, grab your keys!
- ManonJ'arrive, j'ai presque fini.I'm coming, I'm almost finished.
- LucasDépêche-toi, le bus arrive.Hurry up, the bus is arriving.
- ManonC'est bon, on y va !It's fine, let's go!
