When learning French, one of the most common conversational phrases you’ll encounter is “and you.” This simple expression is essential for building conversations, responding to questions, and showing interest in others. In French, there are two ways to say “and you,” depending on the level of formality and the person you’re addressing.
1. Formal or Polite: “Et vous?”
In formal situations or when speaking to someone you don’t know well, such as a teacher, a colleague, or a stranger, you would use “Et vous?”
Example:
- Speaker 1: Comment allez-vous ? (How are you?)
- Speaker 2: Bien, merci. Et vous ? (Good, thank you. And you?)
Use “Et vous?” when addressing:
- Elders
- Authority figures
- People you don’t know personally
- Groups of people
2. Informal or Casual: “Et toi?”
When speaking with friends, family members, or peers, the informal version “Et toi?” is more appropriate. French, like many languages, has a distinction between formal and informal pronouns, with “toi” being the informal version of “you.”
Example:
- Speaker 1: Ça va ? (How’s it going?)
- Speaker 2: Oui, et toi ? (Yes, and you?)
Use “Et toi?” when addressing:
- Friends
- Family
- Children
- Peers in casual settings
A Quick Tip on Pronunciation
- “Et vous?” is pronounced as [ay voo].
- “Et toi?” is pronounced as [ay twa].
The “t” in “et” is silent, so focus on the vowels when speaking.
Bonus: Adding Context
Sometimes, “and you” isn’t used as a standalone response but as part of a larger sentence. In these cases, you can still use “et vous” or “et toi”, depending on the context.
Examples:
- Qu’est-ce que tu fais ce soir ? (What are you doing tonight?)
- Moi, je vais au cinéma. Et toi ? (I’m going to the movies. And you?)
- Où habitez-vous ? (Where do you live?)
- J’habite à Paris. Et vous ? (I live in Paris. And you?)