tu vois
The English phrase 'you see' can be translated into French as tu vois.
As a filler phrase in conversation, tu vois is used to check if the listener is following the logic of an explanation or understands a point, much like the English 'you know?' or 'you see?'
Which one should you use?
The phrase tu vois has two different functions. In a literal sense, it asks if a person's vision is physically capable of seeing an object. In the context of a filler phrase, it is used to confirm understanding during a conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tu vois is an informal way to say 'you see' and should be used with friends, family or people you know well. For formal situations, use Vous voyez.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form vous voyez instead of tu vois when addressing more than one person or when using the formal 'vous' to show respect.
Did you know?
- Using tu vois to mean 'you understand' can sometimes be replaced by the much more colloquial tu captes, which literally means 'do you capture it'.
- In the transition from Old French to Modern French, the word tu evolved from the Latin tū, sharing a common ancestor with the German 'du' and the Russian 'ты'.
- While tu vois is used to check for understanding, in many French dialects, repeating the phrase too often can be seen as a sign of a weak vocabulary or a lack of way to express oneself clearly.
Examples in context
- Tu vois ma fleur ?Do you see my flower?This example shows the literal use of tu vois regarding a flower.Tatoeba #1914499 by Rovo, translation #12890630 by rul
- Tu vois mon fils ?Do you see my son?This example shows the literal use of tu vois regarding a son.Tatoeba #5691759 by nimfeo, translation #6882575 by CarpeLanam
- Tu vois le jardin ?Do you see the garden?This example shows the literal use of tu vois regarding a garden.Tatoeba #1914249 by Rovo, translation #3181103 by asveja
- Je suis heureux de vous présenter cette opportunité professionnelle, vous voyez?I am pleased to present this professional opportunity to you, you see?
- Comme vous le constatez, notre entreprise a connu une croissance significative cette année.As you can see, our company has experienced significant growth this year.
- On se retrouve au café dans dix minutes, tu vois?We'll meet at the café in ten minutes, you see?
- J'ai examiné votre demande avec soin, vous voyez, et nous avons décidé de vous offrir le poste.I have carefully reviewed your application, you see, and we have decided to offer you the position.
- Tu vois, demain, on a une visite guidée de la ville. Ça va être super cool!You see, tomorrow we have a guided tour of the city. It's going to be super cool!
- 69 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is explaining a difficult concept to Chloé in a cafe.
- GabrielC'est un peu compliqué, tu vois ?It is a bit complicated, you see?
- ChloéOui, je comprends mieux maintenant.Yes, I understand better now.
- GabrielIl faut changer de méthode, tu vois ?We have to change methods, you see?
- ChloéD'accord, tu as raison, Gabriel.Okay, you are right, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
