à toi
The English phrase "to you" is translated in French as à toi.
The phrase is used to indicate that something is directed toward or belongs to the person being spoken to. For example, you can use à toi de jouer to encourage someone to take action or give them an opportunity. You might also see pour toi used to express that something is specifically for someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition à (to/at) and the stressed pronoun toi (you).
Which one should you use?
While à toi is used for a single person in an informal context, à vous is used when speaking to more than one person or when using the formal vous to show respect. To address a group of people formally, you can use à vous tous, meaning "to all of you".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgian French, à vous-autres may be used to address a group informally, similar to à vous tous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form à toi is used only with the informal tu form of address, which is typically used for friends, family or children.
Did you know?
- The preposition à in this phrase is a linguistic merge of two different Latin words, ad and ab.
- In French, the distinction between à toi and à vous can signal a sudden shift in a relationship, such as a boss deciding to become friends with an employee.
- The word toi is a 'stressed pronoun', meaning it is used for emphasis or after prepositions, rather than as the subject of a verb like 'you' in 'you are'.
Examples in context
- À toi de décider.It's up to you to decide.This sentence shows how to use à toi to express that it is someone's turn to decide.Tatoeba #4598205 by sacredceltic, translation #238563 by CK
- Ce n'est pas à toi.That doesn't belong to you.This sentence uses à toi to indicate possession or that something does not belong to a person.Tatoeba #4842514 by sacredceltic, translation #10111746 by shekitten
- C'est à toi de voir.It's up to you.This sentence uses à toi to indicate that it is up to someone to see/check something.Tatoeba #339706 by TRANG, translation #237713 by CK
- Je voulais vous parler à vous.I wanted to talk to you.
- Un grand merci à vous tous pour votre soutien.A big thank you to all of you for your support.
- Je pense à toi tous les jours.I think of you every day.
- Le ballon est à toi, à toi de jouer!The ball is yours, it's your turn to play!
- J'ai acheté ce cadeau pour toi.I bought this gift for you.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are playing a board game.
- NathanJ'ai fini mon tour. À toi !I finished my turn. Your turn!
- LéaD'accord, je lance les dés.Okay, I'm rolling the dice.
- NathanFais attention à toi.Be careful.
- LéaNe t'inquiète pas, Nathan.Don't worry, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toi, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
