fais-toi plaisir
The English phrase "spoil yourself" is translated into French as fais-toi plaisir.
This phrase is commonly used when encouraging someone to indulge in a treat, a purchase or a relaxing activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb faire (to make/do), the reflexive pronoun toi (yourself) and the noun plaisir (pleasure).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form fais-toi plaisir uses the tu form and is appropriate for friends, family or peers. For a more formal situation, you should use Faites-vous plaisir.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form used to describe the action is se faire plaisir. When addressing a group of people or using the formal vous form, the imperative form changes to faites-vous plaisir.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, saying fais-toi plaisir can be used sarcastically to tell someone they are being overly indulgent or greedy.
- In French, if you 'spoil' a child or a person in a negative way, you use the verb gâter rather than faire plaisir.
- The word plaisir shares its roots with the English word 'please'. Both stem from the Latin 'placēre', meaning to give pleasure or to be agreeable.
Examples in context
- Après une semaine de travail acharné, vous devriez vous faire plaisir en allant au spa.After a week of hard work, you should treat yourself by going to the spa.
- J'ai acheté un délicieux gâteau au chocolat pour me faire plaisir.I bought a delicious chocolate cake to spoil myself.
- Fais-toi plaisir et achète ce beau sac.Spoil yourself and buy this beautiful bag.
- C'est ton anniversaire, fais-toi plaisir !It's your birthday, treat yourself!
- Tu as bien travaillé, fais-toi plaisir ce soir.You worked hard, spoil yourself tonight.
Example conversation
Emma is looking at a luxury spa menu while talking to Lucas.
- LucasTu veux aller au spa, Emma ?Do you want to go to the spa, Emma?
- EmmaC'est un peu cher, non ?It is a bit expensive, isn't it?
- LucasAllez, fais-toi plaisir, tu le mérites.Come on, spoil yourself, you deserve it.
- EmmaTu as raison, je vais le faire.You are right, I will do it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plaisir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
