couvre-toi bien
The English phrase "stay warm" can be translated into French as couvre-toi bien.
The phrase couvre-toi bien is used as a parting remark when someone is heading out into cold weather to tell them to wear enough clothing to keep warm.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase couvre-toi bien literally translates to "cover yourself well".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, you might hear the informal expressions Garde-toi ben au chaud or Tiens-toi ben au chaud to say "stay warm".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to more than one person or using the polite vous form, you must use couvrez-vous bien instead of couvre-toi bien.
Did you know?
- In French culture, telling someone couvre-toi bien is often an expression of parental or caregiver affection, regardless of the age of the person being told.
- The verb couvrir used in couvre-toi bien is also used in the expression couvrir quelqu'un, which can mean to provide cover for someone in a military context.
- The word bien in couvre-toi bien shares the same Latin root, bene, as the English word 'beneficial', implying that covering yourself well is a good or beneficial thing to do.
Examples in context
- Couvre-toi bien, il fait très froid dehors.Stay warm, it is very cold outside.
- Couvre-toi bien pour ta randonnée en montagne.Stay warm for your mountain hike.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are saying goodbye before Emma goes for a walk in the snow.
- NathanIl neige beaucoup aujourd'hui.It is snowing a lot today.
- EmmaOui, je vais sortir marcher un peu.Yes, I am going out for a little walk.
- NathanCouvre-toi bien, Emma !Stay warm, Emma!
- EmmaMerci, je vais mettre mon gros manteau.Thanks, I will put on my big coat.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
