tu vas
In French, "you go" is translated as tu vas.
tu vas is the second person singular form of the verb to go, used to describe movement or a state. When you use tu vas followed by an infinitive verb, it functions as a way to express the near future, meaning "you are going to [verb]".
Which one should you use?
tu vas is used when addressing a single person you know well. In contrast, vous allez is used when addressing multiple people or when addressing one person in a formal or polite context.
How does it change in a sentence?
tu vas is used exclusively for the informal singular subject.
Did you know?
- The word tu is a direct relative of the English 'thou', which is now considered archaic and poetic in English but remains the standard informal 'you' in French.
- In France, switching from vous allez to tu vas during a conversation is a social milestone called 'tutoiement'. Doing this too early can be seen as an intrusive lack of respect.
- While tu vas means 'you go', the phrase ça va uses the same verb to mean 'it goes' or 'I am doing well'. It is one of the most versatile expressions in the language.
Examples in context
- J'irai si tu vas.I will go if you go.This sentence shows how to express a condition using tu vas.Tatoeba #2163965 by sacredceltic, translation #2163135 by Source_VOA
- Soit tu vas, soit je vais.Either you go, or I go.This sentence illustrates a choice between two subjects using tu vas.Tatoeba #411252 by qdii, translation #411250 by FeuDRenais
- À quelle fréquence tu vas à la plage ?How often do you go to the beach?This sentence shows how to ask about frequency using tu vas.Tatoeba #7756447 by Caku, translation #2486608 by CK
- Pourriez-vous y aller à ma place et chercher mon passeport ?Could you go there instead and pick up my passport?
- Hé, la boulangerie se trouve juste là-bas. Tu y vas ?Hey, the bakery is right over there. Are you going there?
- Peux-tu aller me chercher une tasse de café ?Can you go and get me a cup of coffee?
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking in the street.
- NathanOù est-ce que tu vas ?Where are you going?
- LéaJe vais à la bibliothèque.I am going to the library.
- NathanTu vas y étudier ?Are you going there to study?
- LéaOui, j'ai beaucoup de travail.Yes, I have a lot of work.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, vas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
