How to Say “With You” in French: Formal and Informal Ways

1. Formal Ways to Say “With You” in French

• Avec vous: This is the most common and formal way to say “with you” in French. It is used in business settings, formal letters, and when addressing someone with respect. For instance:

“Madame, j’aimerais discuter de cette proposition avec vous.”

(Madam, I’d like to discuss this proposal with you.)

Au sein de votre compagnie: Translated as “within your company,” this formal expression emphasizes being with someone as a part of an organization or institution.

“Je suis honoré de travailler au sein de votre compagnie avec vous.”

(I am honored to work within your company with you.)

2. Informal Ways to Say “With You” in French

• Avec toi: When speaking informally and addressing friends, family, or close acquaintances, “avec toi” is the way to go.

“Je veux passer du temps avec toi ce week-end.”

(I want to spend time with you this weekend.)

En ta compagnie: This expression conveys the sense of being in someone’s company in a more casual and friendly manner.

“J’aime bien être en ta compagnie, ça me fait du bien.”

(I enjoy being in your company, it does me good.)

3. Additional Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips to help you master the usage of “with you” in French:

Regional Variations of “With You” in French:

The French language, like any other, contains regional variations. While “avec vous” and “avec toi” are generally understood and used across France, certain regions may have their unique expressions. Here are a couple of examples:

• En ta présence: Used primarily in Eastern France, this expression translates to “in your presence” and serves as a regional variation of “with you.”
• Avec vi: This is a regional expression that can be found in parts of Southern France, such as Provence. It is a contraction of “avec toi” and is mainly used in informal contexts.

Idiomatic Phrases:

The French language is rich in idiomatic phrases related to being “with someone.” Here are a few to add flavor to your conversation:

• Être ensemble: This phrase means “to be together” and is a versatile expression for situations ranging from friendships to romantic relationships.
• Partager un moment avec vous/toi: Translated as “to share a moment with you,” this phrase emphasizes the idea of spending quality time with someone.

Using Prepositions with “With You”:

Depending on the sentence structure and context, you may need to use different prepositions along with “with you” in French. Here are a couple of examples:

• À côté de toi/vous: Meaning “beside you,” this phrase indicates physical proximity or being next to someone.
• Près de toi/vous: Translated as “close to you,” this expression conveys the idea of being in close proximity to someone.

The proper choice of preposition is essential to convey your intended meaning accurately. Remember to pay attention to the context and sentence structure when selecting the appropriate preposition.

Practice Makes Perfect:

As with any language, practice is key to becoming comfortable and fluent. Engage in conversations with native French speakers and utilize these phrases to express the idea of “with you” in various contexts. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you will become.

In conclusion, you now possess a comprehensive understanding of the formal and informal ways to say “with you” in French. Remember to adapt your choice of expression based on the context and level of formality. Bonne chance (good luck) with your French language journey!