tu le mérites
The English phrase "you deserve it" is translated into French as tu le mérites.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they should receive a reward or punishment because of their actions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from tu (you), le (it) and mérites (deserve).
Which one should you use?
While Tu le mérites can be used for a reward, it is very frequently used sarcastically to mean "you had it coming" regarding a punishment or misfortune.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form vous le méritez when speaking to more than one person or when addressing one person formally.
Did you know?
- French speakers often use the phrase bien fait as a shorter, punchier alternative to tu le mérites when the 'deserving' is purely negative.
- In French, the pronoun tu is a cognate with the German 'du' and the Russian 'ты'. All these words derive from the same Proto-Indo-European root for 'you'.
- In historical French literature, the concept of 'merit' was often tied to nobility and birthright rather than just personal effort.
Examples in context
- Tu le mérites.You deserve it.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase tu le mérites.Tatoeba #1314954 by sacredceltic, translation #1165632 by mookeee
- Tu as travaillé dur toute l'année, tu mérites pleinement ces vacances.You've worked hard all year, you fully deserve this vacation.
- T'as assuré dans ton examen, tu mérites une belle fête ce soir !You did great on your exam, you deserve a great party tonight!
- Tu le mérites tellement !You really deserve it!
- Après tout ce travail, tu le mérites.After all this work, you deserve it.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about Manon's new promotion.
- HugoFélicitations pour ton nouveau poste !Congratulations on your new position!
- ManonMerci Hugo, je suis très heureuse.Thank you Hugo, I am very happy.
- HugoTu le mérites, Manon.You deserve it, Manon.
- ManonC'est vraiment gentil de ta part.That is really kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries le, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
