c'est pour toi
The English phrase "this is for you" is translated into French as c'est pour toi.
This phrase is used when you are giving a gift or an object to someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase c'est pour toi is literally composed of c'est (it is) and pour toi (for you).
Which one should you use?
Use c'est pour vous instead of c'est pour toi when speaking to more than one person or to one person in a formal context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal situations, you can use Pour toi or Ça, c'est pour toi. In formal situations, such as when giving a gift to a stranger, a superior or someone you address as vous, you should use Ceci est pour vous, Pour vous or c'est pour vous.
Did you know?
- If you give flowers while saying c'est pour toi, avoid chrysanthemums, as they are traditionally associated with death and funerals in France.
- If you are giving a gift to a romantic partner, you might replace the phrase c'est pour toi with un petit cadeau pour toi, as the word petit (small) is often used to show modesty regardless of the gift's actual size.
- While c'est pour toi is the standard way to give a gift, French etiquette often suggests that the recipient should not open the present immediately unless the giver encourages them to do so.
Examples in context
- C'est pour toi !This is for you.This example shows the use of c'est pour toi.Tatoeba #8674502 by Julien_PDC, translation #55752 by CK
- C'est pour toi, Tom.This is for you, Tom.Tatoeba #5381835 by pititnatole, translation #2647055 by CK
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo gives a small gift to Manon at a cafe.
- HugoTiens, c'est pour toi.Here, this is for you.
- ManonOh, c'est gentil, Hugo !Oh, that's kind, Hugo!
- HugoTu aimes les fleurs ?Do you like flowers?
- ManonOui, j'adore ça !Yes, I love them!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
