toi et moi
The English phrase "you and I" is translated into French as toi et moi.
The phrase is used to refer to the speaker and one other person. French uses the stressed pronouns to form this phrase regardless of whether it serves as a subject or an object.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase toi et moi is composed of the conjunction et (and) connecting the stressed pronoun toi (you) and the stressed pronoun moi (me).
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use 'you and I' to sound more formal or correct, French uses the stressed pronouns toi et moi regardless of whether the phrase is a subject or an object.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, toi pis moi is a colloquial regional variation of toi et moi.
How does it change in a sentence?
When toi et moi is the subject of a verb, the verb must be conjugated in the first-person plural (nous) form.
Did you know?
- In Quebec, you may hear people say toi pis moi instead of the standard toi et moi. The word pis is a colloquial contraction of 'puis', which means 'then' or 'after'.
- The stressed pronoun moi is a cognate of the English word 'me'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *(h₁)me-.
- While toi et moi takes the nous verb form, French speakers often replace nous with on in casual speech. This means the group 'you and I' is frequently referred to as on for simplicity.
Examples in context
- Toi et moi sommes amis.You and I are friends.This sentence shows how to use toi et moi as the subject of the verb 'être' to describe a relationship.Tatoeba #3549472 by GB3, translation #3347139 by CK
- Toi et moi sommes cousins.You and I are cousins.This sentence shows how to use toi et moi as the subject of the verb 'être' to describe a family connection.Tatoeba #1286629 by sacredceltic, translation #8161337 by TheNightAvl
- Toi et moi sommes étudiants.Both you and I are students.This sentence shows how to use toi et moi as the subject of the verb 'être' to describe a status as students.Tatoeba #10442 by Archibald, translation #68837 by CK
- La décision doit être prise par vous et moiThe decision must be made by you and me.
- Toi et moi, nous sommes amis depuis longtempsYou and I, we have been friends for a long time.
- Nous deux, nous avons passé de bons moments ensembleYou and I, we've had good times together.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing their future travel plans.
- LéaToi et moi, nous devrions voyager cet été.You and I should travel this summer.
- HugoC'est une excellente idée, Léa.That is an excellent idea, Léa.
- LéaOn peut partir en France.We can go to France.
- HugoD'accord, préparons nos valises !Okay, let's pack our bags!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, moi, toi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
