quand tu
The English phrase 'when you' is translated into French as quand tu.
The phrase 'when you' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context and the level of formality. You can also use lorsque vous or Quand vous to be polite. To emphasize a specific moment or point in time, you can use the construction au moment où vous.
Which one should you use?
You should use quand vous instead of quand tu if you are addressing more than one person or if you are addressing one person in a formal setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
quand tu is used for a single person with whom you have a close or informal relationship, such as a friend or family member.
Did you know?
- Historically, switching from vous to tu in a relationship is a social milestone called 'tutoiement', which often signals a shift in intimacy or power.
- The word tu is a distant relative of the English word 'thou', which was once the standard way to say 'you' in a close or informal relationship.
- In some historical French contexts, using tu to address a social superior was considered a grave insult or an act of extreme rebellion.
Examples in context
- Pars quand tu veux.Go when you want.Tatoeba #332530 by sysko, translation #241064 by CK
- J'aime quand tu chantes.I like it when you sing.Tatoeba #5923081 by Aiji, translation #4828091 by AlanF_US
- J'adore quand tu souris.I love it when you smile.Tatoeba #12539600 by Rovo, translation #10988003 by DJ_Saidez
- Lorsque vous avez terminé le rapport, veuillez me l'envoyer par courrier électronique.When you have finished the report, please send it to me via email.
- Quand vous aurez l'occasion, veuillez me donner votre avis sur ce projet.When you have the opportunity, please give me your opinion on this project.
- Au moment où vous signerez le contrat, merci de le faire parvenir à notre service juridique.When you sign the contract, please send it to our legal department.
- Quand tu as fini la tâche, viens me retrouver pour qu'on puisse sortir.When you finish the task, come meet me so we can go out.
- Quand on te croise dans la rue, on a toujours le sourire.When we run into you on the street, we always have a smile on our faces.
- 234 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are planning a trip.
- GabrielQuand tu seras libre, on partira.When you are free, we will leave.
- EmmaJe le serai demain.I will be free tomorrow.
- GabrielParfait, je passerai te chercher.Perfect, I will come pick you up.
- EmmaMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
