What Is "What About You" in French? A Complete Guide
If you are learning French, one of the first conversational phrases you will need is "what about you." In French, this common expression is most often translated as et toi? or **et vous?Think about it: ** depending on who you are speaking to. Because of that, understanding when to use each version is essential for sounding natural and respectful in French conversations. This guide explains the direct translation, pronunciation, grammar rules, real-life examples, and cultural context behind this simple but important phrase.
The Direct Translation: "Et Toi?" and "Et Vous?"
The most common way to say "what about you" in French is et toi? (pronounced roughly as eh twa). This is the informal, singular version used when talking to one person you know well, such as a friend, family member, classmate, or child.
When speaking to someone you do not know well, a stranger, a boss, a teacher, or a group of people, you use et vous? (pronounced roughly as eh voo). This is the formal or plural version It's one of those things that adds up..
Here is a quick breakdown:
| French Phrase | English Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Et toi? Practically speaking, | What about you? Here's the thing — | Informal, singular (tu) |
| Et vous? | What about you? |
The word et means "and," so literally, these phrases mean "and you?" In everyday French conversation, this is the natural equivalent of asking "what about you?" after someone has shared information about themselves Not complicated — just consistent..
When to Use "Toi" vs "Vous"
French makes a clear distinction between informal and formal address, which can be tricky for English speakers because English uses "you" for everyone. In French, the subject pronoun tu is informal and singular, while vous is either formal singular or plural Most people skip this — try not to. Practical, not theoretical..
Use "Et Toi?" When:
- You are talking to a close friend.
- You are speaking to a family member.
- You are addressing a child or a pet.
- You are in a casual setting with peers, such as classmates or teammates.
Use "Et Vous?" When:
- You are speaking to a stranger.
- You are in a professional environment, such as an office or job interview.
- You are talking to an elder or someone in a position of authority.
- You are addressing two or more people at once, regardless of your relationship with them.
If you are unsure which one to choose, it is generally safer to start with vous. French speakers appreciate the politeness, and they will often invite you to switch to tu if they prefer a more casual tone. This process is sometimes called tutoyer (to address someone as tu).
Pronunciation Guide
French pronunciation can be intimidating, but "et toi?That said, " and "et vous? " are relatively straightforward for beginners.
- Et toi? sounds like eh twa. The "t" in et is usually silent unless it connects to a vowel sound, but in this phrase, it is typically not pronounced strongly. The toi rhymes with the English word "wa" in "lava."
- Et vous? sounds like eh voo. The vous has a soft "v" sound followed by a rounded "oo" sound, similar to the English word "food" but shorter.
A helpful tip is to keep your tone rising slightly at the end, just as you would when asking a question in English. This signals to the listener that you are waiting for their response.
Examples in Real Conversations
Seeing the phrase in context makes it much easier to remember. Below are a few dialogues that show how "et toi?" and "et vous?" function in everyday French Less friction, more output..
Informal Dialogue Between Friends
Person A: Je vais au cinéma ce soir. Et toi?
Person B: Moi aussi! Tu veux qu'on se retrouve devant?
Translation:
Person A: I'm going to the movies tonight. What about you?
Person B: Me too! Do you want to meet up outside?
Formal Dialogue in a Professional Setting
Person A: Je travaille dans le marketing depuis cinq ans. Et vous?
Person B: Je suis dans la finance. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer Simple, but easy to overlook..
Translation:
Person A: I have been working in marketing for five years. What about you?
Person B: I am in finance. It is a pleasure to meet you.
Group Conversation
Person A: Nous partons en vacances en juillet. Et vous?
Person B: Nous, nous préférons août.
Translation:
Person A: We are leaving for vacation in July. What about you (all)?
Person B: We prefer August.
Notice that in the group example, vous refers to multiple people, so the English translation becomes "what about you all?" or simply "what about you?" depending on context Most people skip this — try not to..
Other Ways to Say "What About You" in French
While et toi? and et vous? are the most direct translations, French offers several other expressions that convey a similar meaning depending on the situation It's one of those things that adds up..
1. Et toi, qu'en penses-tu?
This means "And you, what do you think about it?" It is used when you want someone's opinion after sharing your own.
2. Et pour toi?
This translates to "And for you?" It is often used when discussing preferences, food, or plans. Take this: if someone says they like coffee, you might ask, Et pour toi, du thé? ("And for you, tea?")
3. Qu'en est-il de toi?
This is a slightly more formal or literary way of saying "What about you?" or "How is it with you?" It is less common in casual spoken French but may appear in writing or formal speech.
4. Et toi, comment ça va?
This means "And you, how are you?" It combines "what about you"
with a friendly greeting. It’s a versatile way to check in on someone after you’ve shared your own status Not complicated — just consistent..
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the basics down, learners often make a few predictable errors. Being aware of them can help you sound more natural Not complicated — just consistent. Took long enough..
- Using "Et toi?" in Formal Situations: This is the most frequent mistake. Remember, toi is informal. If you are speaking to a colleague you don't know well, a client, or an elder, always use et vous?.
- Forgetting the Question Mark: In French, the question mark is an essential part of the punctuation. Writing Et toi without it can look like a statement, not a question.
- Confusing "Et toi?" with "Comment ça va?": While you can combine them (as in Et toi, comment ça va?), simply saying Et toi? is a request for a general update, not just a "how are you." It’s more like asking, "What's new with you?" or "How are things?".
The Importance of Context
As you’ve seen, the right choice between et toi?, **et vous?And **, and the other expressions depends entirely on your relationship with the listener and the situation. Mastering this is a key step toward sounding fluent and respectful in French. It’s not just about memorizing words, but about understanding the social cues that guide their use It's one of those things that adds up..
Final Thought
At the end of the day, asking "what about you" in French is a fundamental skill for any conversation. Day to day, by starting with the simple **et toi? On top of that, ** for friends and **et vous? ** for formal occasions, and then exploring the nuanced alternatives like Et pour toi? or Qu'en est-il de toi?, you can figure out social interactions with confidence. Pay attention to context, listen to how native speakers use these phrases, and don't be afraid to practice. With time, choosing the right expression will become second nature, allowing you to engage more deeply and authentically in the French language.
