et si
The English phrase "what if" is translated into French as et si.
et si is used to introduce speculation about the future. It serves two main purposes: expressing worry about a potential problem or making a suggestion.
Meaning: used to introduce speculation about future (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, et si translates to "and if".
How does it change in a sentence?
The tense used after et si depends on the meaning you want to convey. Use the present tense (présent) to express a real possibility or to make a suggestion, such as "What if we go now?" If you are expressing a hypothetical or unlikely situation, follow et si with the imperfect tense (imparfait), such as "What if we won?"
Did you know?
- While si means 'if' in et si, it also functions as a special word for 'yes' specifically used to contradict a negative statement or question.
- The word si is a doublet, meaning it evolved from two different Latin words: 'si' meaning 'if' and 'sic' meaning 'so'.
- In French, using et si to make a suggestion is a social strategy to pivot a conversation without appearing demanding.
Examples in context
- Et si ça fuit ?What if it leaks?This sentence is useful for showing how to use et si when expressing worry about a potential problem.Tatoeba #13496652 by sacredceltic, translation #5758052 by CM
- Et si je refuse ?What if I refuse?This sentence is useful for showing how to use et si to express a personal concern or refusal.Tatoeba #2264937 by sacredceltic, translation #2235207 by Hybrid
- Et si tu as tort ?What if you're wrong?This sentence is useful for showing how to use et si to speculate about someone being wrong.Tatoeba #1802008 by sacredceltic, translation #1801650 by Spamster
- Et si je ne réussis pas mon examen ?What if I fail my exam?
- Et si nous arrivions en retard ?What if we arrive late?
- Et si je ne peux pas assister à la réunion ?What if I can't attend the meeting?
- Et si on allait au cinéma ce soir ?What if we go to the movies tonight?
- Et si on essayait cette nouvelle recette ?What if we try this new recipe?
- Et si on partait en vacances ensemble ?What if we go on vacation together?
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are walking in a park and discussing a potential change in plans.
- NathanEt si on allait au cinéma ce soir ?What if we went to the movies tonight?
- EmmaC'est une bonne idée, Nathan.That is a good idea, Nathan.
- NathanEt si le film est complet ?What if the movie is sold out?
- EmmaOn pourra réserver à l'avance.We can book in advance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what if” translations and entries et si, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
