tu peux le faire
The English phrase "you can do it" is translated into French as tu peux le faire.
This expression is used to encourage someone and tell them that they are capable of achieving a goal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from tu (you), peux (can/are able to), le (it) and faire (to do).
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form vous pouvez le faire when encouraging someone you do not know well or a group of people.
Did you know?
- While 'you can do it' is a direct translation, a French speaker might more naturally shout Allez ! to provide the same burst of encouragement.
- While tu peux le faire is a literal translation, French speakers often use the phrase bon courage to encourage someone facing a difficult task. This phrase focuses on wishing the person strength rather than stating their ability.
- The word faire shares a common ancestor with the English word 'fact', as both stem from the Latin 'facere', meaning 'to do' or 'to make'.
Examples in context
- Tu peux le faire.You can do it.This sentence shows the basic way to use tu peux le faire.Tatoeba #1671370 by Micsmithel, translation #1391 by brauliobezerra
- Tu peux le faire, aussi.You can do it, too.This sentence demonstrates adding "too" to the phrase tu peux le faire.Tatoeba #5385505 by pititnatole, translation #3819148 by CK
- Allez, tu peux le faire.Come on, you can do it.This sentence shows how to use the phrase with "come on" using tu peux le faire.Tatoeba #6843498 by Aiji, translation #5777735 by CK
- Vous pouvez le faire, Monsieur Dupont. Votre présentation sera excellente!You can do it, Mr. Dupont. Your presentation will be excellent!
- Je suis sûr(e) que vous en êtes capable, Sophie. Ne doutez pas de vos compétences!I am sure that you are capable of it, Sophie. Don't doubt your abilities!
- Tu peux le faire, Marc! Je crois en toi, mon ami.You can do it, Marc! I believe in you, my friend.
- Je suis sûr(e) que tu en es capable, Lisa. Ne laisse rien te décourager!I am sure that you are capable of it, Lisa. Don't let anything discourage you!
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is nervous about his first piano recital.
- ChloéNe sois pas stressé, Gabriel.Don't be stressed, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe ne me sens pas prêt.I don't feel ready.
- ChloéRespire un bon coup, tu peux le faire !Take a deep breath, you can do it!
- GabrielMerci Chloé, ça me rassure.Thanks Chloé, that reassures me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faire, le, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
