vous voulez boire quelque chose ?
The English phrase "would you like a drink?" is translated into French as vous voulez boire quelque chose ?
This phrase is used as a polite offer to provide someone with a beverage.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vous voulez boire quelque chose ? literally translates to 'do you want to drink something?'
Which one should you use?
While the default form vous voulez boire quelque chose ? is used for formal situations or when addressing more than one person, other forms exist for different social contexts. The form Voulez-vous boire quelque chose ? is a formal way to ask this question, and Tu veux boire quelque chose ? is an informal way to ask it.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the informal phrase tu veux boire quelque chose ?, use the tu form to speak to a friend, a family member or someone you know well.
Did you know?
- While boire is the verb for 'to drink', French has a specific term called l'apéro for the social ritual of having drinks and appetizers before a meal.
- While vous voulez boire quelque chose ? is polite, in a traditional French café, a waiter might simply ask et avec ceci ? to see if you want a drink to go with your food.
- In France, if you ask vous voulez boire quelque chose ? and the person replies un verre, they are literally asking for 'a glass', but they mean a drink in general.
Examples in context
- Dites-moi, vous voulez boire quelque chose ?Tell me, would you like something to drink?
- Il fait chaud, vous voulez boire quelque chose ?It is hot, would you like a drink?
Example conversation
Manon is hosting Gabriel at her home for a visit.
- ManonBienvenue, Gabriel ! Vous voulez boire quelque chose ?Welcome, Gabriel! Would you like a drink?
- GabrielOui, merci beaucoup, une eau gazeuse serait parfaite.Yes, thank you very much, a sparkling water would be perfect.
- ManonTrès bien, je vais vous servir ça tout de suite.Very well, I will serve that to you right away.
- GabrielC'est très gentil de votre part, Manon.That is very kind of you, Manon.
