tu peux
The English phrase "you can" is translated into French as tu peux.
tu peux is used to express that someone has the ability or the permission to perform an action.
How does it change in a sentence?
When tu peux is followed by another verb, that second verb must be in its infinitive (unconjugated) form.
Did you know?
- French has a unique social phenomenon called tutoiement, which is the act of switching from the formal vous to the informal tu. Doing this without permission can be a significant social faux pas.
- In some historical French contexts, using tu instead of vous was used as a deliberate insult to imply the other person was of a lower social class.
- The pronoun tu is a cognate of the German du and the Russian ты. These words all share a common ancestor from the ancient Proto-Indo-European language.
Examples in context
- Tu peux y aller.You can go.This example shows how to use tu peux to give permission to go.Tatoeba #474834 by sacredceltic, translation #1553295 by CK
- Tu peux t'y fier.You can trust him.This example uses tu peux to express the ability to trust someone.Tatoeba #1578192 by sacredceltic, translation #490921 by adjusting
- Tu peux le faire.You can do it.This example uses tu peux to express the ability to do something.Tatoeba #1671370 by Micsmithel, translation #1391 by brauliobezerra
- Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous m'aider?Excuse me, can you help me?
- Tu peux venir chez moi après l'école?Can you come to my house after school?
- Tu sais jouer du piano?Can you play the piano?
- Peux-tu me rappeler à quelle heure nous devons nous retrouver demain?Can you remind me at what time we're supposed to meet tomorrow?
- 650 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At home, Nathan is asking Chloé for permission to use her laptop.
- NathanChloé, tu peux me prêter ton ordinateur ?Chloé, can you lend me your computer?
- ChloéOui, tu peux l'utiliser un moment.Yes, you can use it for a moment.
- NathanMerci beaucoup, tu es super.Thanks a lot, you are great.
- ChloéDe rien, Nathan.You're welcome, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
