Veux-tu m'épouser ?
In French, "will you marry me?" is translated as Veux-tu m'épouser ?
This phrase is a question used to propose marriage to someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Veux-tu m'épouser ? literally translates to "Do you want to marry me?"
Which one should you use?
While Veux-tu m'épouser ? is the default, you can also say Veux-tu te marier avec moi ? to mean "Will you marry me?" or use the construction Est-ce que tu veux m'épouser ? as a common alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the question more formally, you can change the subject and verb to the vous form: Voulez-vous m'épouser ?
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions, particularly in parts of Africa, a marriage proposal is often a complex negotiation between families involving 'la dot' (the dowry) rather than just a single question between two people.
- In historical French law, the word épouser shares a root with époux, which comes from the Latin 'sponsus', meaning 'promised'. This links the act of proposing to a formal legal promise.
- While Veux-tu m'épouser ? is the standard, some French speakers use the phrase Passer le cap, meaning 'to cross the threshold', to describe the decision to marry.
Examples in context
- Dis-moi, veux-tu m'épouser ?Tell me, will you marry me?
- Chérie, veux-tu m'épouser ?Darling, will you marry me?
Example conversation
Gabriel is proposing to Léa during a romantic dinner.
- LéaLéa, je t'aime. Veux-tu m'épouser ?Léa, I love you. Will you marry me?
- GabrielOh mon Dieu ! Oui, je veux !Oh my God! Yes, I do!
- LéaTu me rends l'homme le plus heureux.You make me the happiest man.
- GabrielJe suis tellement heureuse, Gabriel !I am so happy, Gabriel!
