fais demi-tour
The English phrase "turn around" is translated into French as fais demi-tour.
This phrase is used to describe a physical rotation of 180 degrees, such as when a person or a vehicle changes direction to head back the way they came.
Meaning: intransitive: to physically rotate horizontally 180 degrees (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression fais demi-tour literally means "make a half-turn".
Which one should you use?
While fais demi-tour implies changing direction (like a person walking or a car driving), the verb se retourner is used when someone rotates their body or head to look behind them.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, the word virer may be used to mean "to turn around".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person or using a formal tone, use the plural/formal form faites demi-tour instead of fais demi-tour.
Did you know?
- If you use the verb virer to mean 'to turn around' in Quebec, be careful, as in standard French, virer is also a common slang term for 'to steal'.
- In French, if you say you want to faire un tour, you aren't turning around, but rather asking to 'go for a stroll' or 'take a ride'.
- While faire demi-tour refers to a physical turn, the expression faire volte-face is used for a sudden change in opinion or political stance.
Examples in context
- Fais demi-tour.Turn around.This sentence is useful for practicing the command fais demi-tour.Tatoeba #5294816 by pititnatole, translation #464282 by lukaszpp
- Excusez-moi monsieur, pourriez-vous vous retourner, s'il vous plaît?Excuse me sir, could you please turn around?
- Madame, vous devez faire demi-tour et prendre la première rue à droite.Madam, you should turn around and take the first street on the right.
- Hé Laura, tourne-toi et regarde ce beau coucher de soleil!Hey Laura, turn around and look at this beautiful sunset!
- Charles, vire-toi, tu es en train de marcher dans la mauvaise direction!Charles, turn around, you're walking in the wrong direction!
- Fais demi-tour tout de suite.Turn around right now.
- Si tu es perdu, fais demi-tour.If you are lost, turn around.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are hiking in the woods.
- LéaHugo, le chemin est fermé.Hugo, the path is closed.
- HugoEst-ce que je dois faire demi-tour ?Do I have to turn around?
- LéaOui, fais demi-tour et reviens.Yes, turn around and come back.
- HugoD'accord, j'y vais.Okay, I'm going.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
