parlez-moi de vous
The English phrase "tell me about yourself" is translated into French as parlez-moi de vous.
Depending on the setting, you might also use Présentez-vous, s'il vous plaît to mean "please introduce yourself" in formal scenarios or Parlez-nous un peu de vous to say "tell us a bit about yourself" during job interviews or in formal group settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase parlez-moi de vous is composed of the imperative verb parlez (speak/tell), the indirect object pronoun moi (to me), the preposition de (about/of) and the pronoun vous (you).
Which one should you use?
You may use Parle-moi de toi to mean "talk to me about yourself" in informal settings. You can also use Décris-toi un peu to say "describe yourself a bit".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form parlez-moi de vous is used when addressing a group of people or when addressing a single person in a formal or professional context.
Did you know?
- While parlez-moi de vous is the standard translation, a French person might respond to this request by focusing on their 'parcours', a word meaning 'route' or 'journey'. This frames their professional identity as a physical path they have traveled.
- In a professional French interview, the prompt parlez-moi de vous is often treated as a test of synthesis rather than an invitation to share personal history. Candidates are expected to provide a structured 'elevator pitch' rather than a chronological life story.
- The formal pronoun vous is a distant relative of the Russian word вы (vy) and the Italian voi. All three evolved from a common Proto-Indo-European root used to address groups.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, je m'appelle Marie Dubois. Je suis diplômée en informatique et j'ai travaillé comme développeuse pendant cinq ans. Je suis passionnée par la technologie et je suis ravie de pouvoir apporter mes compétences à votre entreprise.Hello, my name is Marie Dubois. I have a degree in computer science and have worked as a developer for five years. I'm passionate about technology, and I'm excited to bring my skills to your company.
- Salut, je m'appelle Thomas. Je suis étudiant en histoire et j'adore voyager pour découvrir différentes cultures. J'ai récemment visité l'Asie et c'était incroyable. J'espère rencontrer de nouvelles personnes ici et élargir mes horizons.Hi, my name is Thomas. I'm a history student, and I love traveling to discover different cultures. I recently visited Asia, and it was incredible. I hope to meet new people here and broaden my horizons.
- Parlez-moi de vous pour commencer l'entretien.Tell me about yourself to start the interview.
- Parlez-moi de vous, s'il vous plaît.Tell me about yourself, please.
Example conversation
Gabriel is interviewing Chloé for a job position.
- GabrielBonjour Chloé, parlez-moi de vous.Hello Chloé, tell me about yourself.
- ChloéJe suis graphiste depuis cinq ans.I have been a graphic designer for five years.
- GabrielC'est très intéressant, continuez.That is very interesting, please continue.
- ChloéJ'ai travaillé sur plusieurs projets internationaux.I have worked on several international projects.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, vous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
