ce que tu veux
The English phrase "what you want" is translated into French as ce que tu veux.
This phrase is used to refer to the specific thing or outcome that a person desires.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ce que tu veux literally translates to "that which you want".
Which one should you use?
The component ce que is used when "what" acts as the object of the following verb, such as in "what you want". This is distinct from ce qui, which is used when "what" serves as the subject, such as in "what happens".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form ce que tu veux uses the informal subject tu. To change the level of formality or to address multiple people, you can change the subject and verb to ce que vous voulez.
Did you know?
- The word ce originates from the Vulgar Latin ecce ille, which combines a pointing word like 'behold' with 'that one'.
- In some regions, saying ce que tu veux as a response to a choice can be perceived as indifferent or dismissive, similar to the English 'whatever'.
- The choice between tu and vous in ce que tu veux is not just about formality but can signal a shift in the emotional intimacy of a relationship.
Examples in context
- Lis ce que tu veux.Read what you want to.This sentence shows how to use ce que tu veux to express reading something of one's own choosing.Tatoeba #604588 by qdii, translation #8273828 by lunchmeat317
- Paie ce que tu veux.Pay what you want.This sentence demonstrates the use of ce que tu veux regarding payment.Tatoeba #1638885 by sacredceltic, translation #1636023 by Spamster
- Crois ce que tu veux.Believe what you want.This sentence uses ce que tu veux in the context of belief.Tatoeba #5461641 by Aiji, translation #2852132 by CK
- Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like a coffee, please.
- Je souhaiterais réserver une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît.I wish to reserve a table for two, please.
- Tu peux me passer le sel, s'il te plaît?Can you pass me the salt, please?
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing their plans for the evening.
- LucasDis-moi ce que tu veux faire.Tell me what you want to do.
- LéaJe ne sais pas encore.I don't know yet.
- LucasOn peut faire ce que tu veux.We can do whatever you want.
- LéaAlors, allons au cinéma !Then, let's go to the cinema!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ce, que, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
