What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tu as besoin literally translates to "you have need" because it combines the verb avoir (to have) and the noun besoin (need).
Which one should you use?
The choice of form depends on the number of people you are addressing and the level of politeness. Tu as besoin is used when speaking to one person in an informal setting. Vous avez besoin is used when speaking to multiple people or when you want to show politeness to a single person. Additionally, the expressions Il te faut… (informal) and Il vous faut… (formal) can also be used to convey the idea of "you need".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the phrase tu as besoin must almost always be followed by the preposition de before an object. If you want to say "you need to [do something]", use the structure tu as besoin de followed directly by an infinitive verb.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid the error of treating besoin as a verb. English speakers sometimes mistakenly try to conjugate it, such as saying tu besoins, but besoin is a noun and must be used with the verb avoir (to have).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Tu as besoin de ça.You need this.This sentence shows how to use tu as besoin with a demonstrative pronoun.Tatoeba #4598224 by sacredceltic, translation #416869 by blay_paul
- Tu as besoin de lui.You need him.This sentence demonstrates using tu as besoin with a personal pronoun.Tatoeba #7553562 by Micsmithel, translation #8078511 by Luiaard
- Tu as besoin d'amis.You need friends.This sentence illustrates using tu as besoin with a plural noun.Tatoeba #9159523 by Julien_PDC, translation #2255168 by CK
- Vous avez besoin d'aideYou need help
- Vous avez besoin de plus d'informationsYou need more information
- Vous avez besoin de tempsYou need time
- Il vous faut un passeport pour voyagerYou need a passport to travel
- Il vous faut de la patience pour réussirYou need patience to succeed
- 162 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing a hiking trip.
- LéaTu as besoin d'une carte pour la randonnée ?Do you need a map for the hike?
- LucasOui, je pense que tu as raison.Yes, I think you are right.
- LéaPrends aussi une bouteille d'eau.Take a water bottle too.
- LucasMerci, c'est une bonne idée.Thanks, that's a good idea.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries as, besoin, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
