tu peux le faire
The English phrase "you got this" can be translated into French as tu peux le faire.
This expression is used to encourage someone and tell them that they are capable of succeeding. Other ways to express this sentiment include the very natural alternative Tu vas y arriver, which means "You are going to make it" or the shorter, common encouragement Allez ! which means "Go!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tu peux le faire literally translates to "you can do it".
Which one should you use?
Tu vas y arriver is an informal phrase used to say "You'll make it".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes from the informal tu peux le faire to the formal or plural vous pouvez le faire depending on whom you are addressing.
Did you know?
- The verb faire in tu peux le faire shares a common ancestor with the English word 'fact', as both stem from the Latin 'facere' meaning 'to do'.
- In highly competitive environments, a French speaker might shorten Tu peux le faire to simply Tu peux ! while maintaining the same encouraging meaning.
- In French, encouragement is highly sensitive to social hierarchy. Using tu peux le faire with a boss or a stranger would be a social error, as you must switch to the formal vous pouvez le faire.
Examples in context
- Tu as ça en toi, je suis sûr que tu vas y arriver!You have it within you, I'm sure you'll make it!
- Ne t'inquiète pas, tu peux le faire.Don't worry, you can do it.
- Respire un grand coup, tu peux le faire.Take a deep breath, you can do it.
- Allez, je sais que tu peux le faire !Come on, I know you can do it!
Example conversation
Gabriel is nervous before a job interview.
- EmmaTu es stressé, Gabriel ?Are you stressed, Gabriel?
- GabrielOui, j'ai peur de rater l'entretien.Yes, I'm afraid of failing the interview.
- EmmaRespire, tu peux le faire !Breathe, you got this!
- GabrielMerci, Emma, ça m'aide beaucoup.Thanks, Emma, that helps a lot.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faire, le, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
