Mastering the art of polite conversation is crucial when learning a new language. Knowing how to respond appropriately when someone says something nice to you is essential.
In French, saying “you too” is not as straightforward as it might seem, as there are several ways to express this sentiment depending on the context and your relationship with the speaker. This comprehensive guide will break down the different ways to say “you too” in French, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to use them correctly.
This article is perfect for beginners looking to grasp basic conversational phrases, intermediate learners aiming to refine their language skills, and anyone interested in the nuances of French etiquette.
Understanding these nuances will not only enhance your French speaking skills but also show respect for French culture and customs. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “You Too” in French
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “You Too” in French
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “You Too” in French
The phrase “you too” in English is a simple way to reciprocate a sentiment, wish, or statement. In French, expressing the same idea requires a bit more nuance depending on the situation and the relationship between the speakers.
The most common translations are “moi aussi,” “toi aussi,” “vous aussi,” “pareillement,” and “à vous de même.” Each of these options carries slightly different connotations and is appropriate in different contexts. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective and polite communication.
Classification: These phrases are classified as adverbs or adverbial phrases used for agreement or reciprocity. They function to mirror a preceding statement or wish back to the original speaker.
Function: The primary function is to express that the same sentiment or situation applies to the speaker as well. This shows politeness and engagement in the conversation.
Contexts: The appropriate choice depends on factors such as formality, familiarity, and the specific statement being reciprocated. For example, “pareillement” is generally more formal than “moi aussi.”
Structural Breakdown
Let’s examine the structural components of these phrases:
* **Moi aussi:** “Moi” is a disjunctive pronoun meaning “me.” “Aussi” means “also” or “too.” Together, “moi aussi” literally translates to “me too.”
* **Toi aussi:** “Toi” is a disjunctive pronoun meaning “you” (informal, singular). “Aussi” means “also” or “too.” Thus, “toi aussi” translates to “you too” (informal, singular).
* **Vous aussi:** “Vous” is a pronoun meaning “you” (formal, singular or plural). “Aussi” means “also” or “too.” Therefore, “vous aussi” translates to “you too” (formal, singular or plural).
* **Pareillement:** This is an adverb meaning “likewise” or “similarly.” It’s a more formal way of saying “you too.”
* **À vous de même:** This phrase is even more formal, translating to “to you as well.” “À vous” means “to you” (formal), “de même” means “as well” or “likewise.”
* **Et vous ?:** This translates to “And you?”. Useful in situations where you want to know something about the other person in return.
The choice of pronoun (moi, toi, vous) is critical as it determines the level of formality and who you are addressing.
Types and Categories of “You Too” in French
Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to say “you too” in French, along with explanations of when to use each one:
“Moi aussi”
“Moi aussi” is used when someone expresses a feeling or preference that you share. It’s a direct equivalent of “me too” in English.
Use it when someone expresses a feeling, preference, or experience that you also share.
“Toi aussi”
“Toi aussi” is used in informal settings when someone wishes you something positive, like “Bonne journée!” (Have a good day!). It directly translates to “you too” in an informal, singular context.
Use it with friends, family, or people you know well.
“Vous aussi”
“Vous aussi” is the formal version of “you too,” used when addressing someone you don’t know well, someone older than you, or someone in a position of authority. It’s the polite way to reciprocate a wish or statement.
Use it in professional settings, with strangers, or when showing respect.
“Pareillement”
“Pareillement” is a more formal and elegant way to say “you too.” It’s often used after someone wishes you something, especially in commercial settings or formal conversations. It implies “likewise” or “similarly.” Use it in shops, restaurants, or formal events.
“À vous de même”
This is a very formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say “you too.” It’s rarely used in everyday conversation but might be heard in very formal settings or older films. It translates to “to you as well.” Use it sparingly, mostly in very formal contexts.
“Et vous ?”
This phrase translates directly to “And you?”. It is useful when someone ask you a question, for example “How are you?”, and you want to ask them the same question in return.
Use it to politely inquire about the other person’s well-being or situation.
Examples
To illustrate the usage of each phrase, here are several examples in different contexts:
“Moi aussi” Examples
The following table provides examples of using “Moi aussi” in various scenarios. Each example includes the initial statement, the “moi aussi” response, and a translation for context.
| Initial Statement (French) | Response (French) | Translation (English) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| J’aime le chocolat. | Moi aussi. | I like chocolate. Me too. | Sharing a common preference |
| Je suis fatigué(e). | Moi aussi. | I am tired. Me too. | Expressing a shared feeling |
| J’ai froid. | Moi aussi. | I’m cold. Me too. | Sharing a physical sensation |
| Je suis content(e) de te voir. | Moi aussi. | I’m happy to see you. Me too. | Expressing a shared sentiment |
| J’ai envie de partir en vacances. | Moi aussi. | I want to go on vacation. Me too. | Sharing a desire |
| Je déteste les lundis. | Moi aussi. | I hate Mondays. Me too. | Sharing a dislike |
| Je suis excité(e) pour le concert. | Moi aussi. | I’m excited for the concert. Me too. | Sharing anticipation |
| J’adore ce film. | Moi aussi. | I love this movie. Me too. | Sharing a positive opinion |
| Je suis un peu stressé(e). | Moi aussi. | I’m a little stressed. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of stress |
| J’ai faim. | Moi aussi. | I’m hungry. Me too. | Sharing a physical need |
| Je suis impatient(e). | Moi aussi. | I’m impatient. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of impatience |
| Je suis triste aujourd’hui. | Moi aussi. | I’m sad today. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of sadness |
| J’aime beaucoup ce restaurant. | Moi aussi. | I really like this restaurant. Me too. | Sharing a positive opinion |
| J’ai peur des araignées. | Moi aussi. | I’m afraid of spiders. Me too. | Sharing a fear |
| Je suis perdu(e). | Moi aussi. | I’m lost. Me too. | Sharing a state of being |
| Je suis débordé(e) de travail. | Moi aussi. | I’m overwhelmed with work. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of being overwhelmed |
| J’ai soif. | Moi aussi. | I’m thirsty. Me too. | Sharing a physical need |
| Je suis fier/fière de toi. | Moi aussi. | I’m proud of you. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of pride |
| Je suis surpris(e). | Moi aussi. | I’m surprised. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of surprise |
| J’ai besoin de vacances. | Moi aussi. | I need a vacation. Me too. | Sharing a need |
| Je suis en colère. | Moi aussi. | I’m angry. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of anger |
| J’aime la musique classique. | Moi aussi. | I like classical music. Me too. | Sharing a common preference |
| Je suis passionné(e) par la photographie. | Moi aussi. | I’m passionate about photography. Me too. | Sharing a passion |
| Je suis reconnaissant(e). | Moi aussi. | I’m grateful. Me too. | Sharing a feeling of gratitude |
“Toi aussi” Examples
The following table illustrates how to use “Toi aussi” in informal conversations. Note the use of “tu” in the initial statement, indicating an informal setting.
| Initial Statement (French) | Response (French) | Translation (English) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonne journée, Marie! | Toi aussi! | Have a good day, Marie! You too! | Wishing someone a good day |
| Bon week-end, Jean! | Toi aussi! | Have a good weekend, Jean! You too! | Wishing someone a good weekend |
| J’espère que tu vas bien! | Toi aussi! | I hope you’re doing well! You too! | Expressing good wishes |
| Passe de bonnes vacances! | Toi aussi! | Have a good vacation! You too! | Wishing someone a good vacation |
| Amuse-toi bien! | Toi aussi! | Have fun! You too! | Wishing someone fun |
| À bientôt, Pierre! | Toi aussi! | See you soon, Pierre! You too! | Saying goodbye |
| Bon courage pour ton examen! | Toi aussi! | Good luck with your exam! You too! | Wishing someone good luck |
| J’espère que tu passes une bonne soirée! | Toi aussi! | I hope you have a good evening! You too! | Wishing someone a good evening |
| Profite bien de ton repas! | Toi aussi! | Enjoy your meal! You too! | Wishing someone enjoyment of a meal |
| Repose-toi bien! | Toi aussi! | Get some rest! You too! | Wishing someone rest |
| Sois prudent sur la route! | Toi aussi! | Be careful on the road! You too! | Wishing someone safety |
| Fais de beaux rêves! | Toi aussi! | Sweet dreams! You too! | Wishing someone sweet dreams |
| J’espère que tu vas te rétablir vite! | Toi aussi! | I hope you recover quickly! You too! | Wishing someone a quick recovery |
| Bonne chance pour ton entretien! | Toi aussi! | Good luck with your interview! You too! | Wishing someone good luck |
| Passe un bon moment! | Toi aussi! | Have a good time! You too! | Wishing someone a good time |
| J’espère que tu vas bien t’amuser! | Toi aussi! | I hope you have a lot of fun! You too! | Wishing someone a lot of fun |
| Sois heureux! | Toi aussi! | Be happy! You too! | Wishing someone happiness |
| J’espère que tu vas réussir! | Toi aussi! | I hope you succeed! You too! | Wishing someone success |
| À plus tard! | Toi aussi! | See you later! You too! | Saying goodbye |
| Bonne continuation! | Toi aussi! | Good luck with everything! You too! | Wishing someone well for the future |
| J’espère que tu vas pouvoir te reposer. | Toi aussi! | I hope you can rest. You too! | Expressing a wish for rest |
| J’espère que tu vas passer une bonne journée. | Toi aussi! | I hope you have a good day. You too! | Wishing someone a good day |
“Vous aussi” Examples
This table provides examples of using “Vous aussi” in formal situations. Notice the use of “vous” in the initial statement.
| Initial Statement (French) | Response (French) | Translation (English) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonne journée, Monsieur! | Vous aussi! | Have a good day, Sir! You too! | Addressing someone formally |
| Bon week-end, Madame! | Vous aussi! | Have a good weekend, Madam! You too! | Addressing someone formally |
| J’espère que vous allez bien! | Vous aussi! | I hope you are doing well! You too! | Expressing good wishes formally |
| Passez de bonnes vacances! | Vous aussi! | Have a good vacation! You too! | Wishing someone a good vacation formally |
| Au revoir, Monsieur le Directeur! | Vous aussi! | Goodbye, Mr. Director! You too! | Addressing someone in a position of authority |
| J’espère que vous passerez une agréable soirée. | Vous aussi! | I hope you have a pleasant evening. You too! | Wishing someone a pleasant evening formally |
| Bonne continuation, Madame Dupont! | Vous aussi! | Good luck with everything, Mrs. Dupont! You too! | Formal setting |
| À bientôt, Monsieur! | Vous aussi! | See you soon, Sir! You too! | Addressing someone formally |
| J’espère que vous allez bien vous reposer. | Vous aussi! | I hope you get a good rest. You too! | Wishing someone a good rest formally |
| Bon appétit, Madame! | Vous aussi! | Enjoy your meal, Madam! You too! | Addressing someone formally at mealtime |
| Je vous souhaite une excellente journée. | Vous aussi! | I wish you an excellent day. You too! | Wishing someone a great day formally |
| J’espère que vous allez passer un bon moment. | Vous aussi! | I hope you have a good time. You too! | Wishing someone a good time formally |
| Je vous remercie pour votre aide. | Vous aussi! | Thank you for your help. You too! | Expressing gratitude formally |
| J’espère que vous allez réussir votre projet. | Vous aussi! | I hope you succeed in your project. You too! | Wishing someone success formally |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne santé. | Vous aussi! | I wish you good health. You too! | Wishing someone good health formally |
| J’espère que vous allez bien dormir. | Vous aussi! | I hope you sleep well. You too! | Wishing someone a good night’s sleep formally |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne retraite. | Vous aussi! | I wish you a happy retirement. You too! | Wishing someone a happy retirement formally |
| J’espère que vous allez bien vous amuser. | Vous aussi! | I hope you have a lot of fun. You too! | Wishing someone a lot of fun formally |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne année. | Vous aussi! | I wish you a happy new year. You too! | Wishing someone a happy new year formally |
| J’espère que vous allez passer de bonnes fêtes. | Vous aussi! | I hope you have a good holiday season. You too! | Wishing someone a good holiday season formally |
| À votre service, Monsieur. | Vous aussi! | At your service, Sir. You too! | Formal setting |
| J’espère que vous allez trouver ce que vous cherchez. | Vous aussi! | I hope you find what you’re looking for. You too! | Formal setting |
| Je vous souhaite un bon rétablissement. | Vous aussi! | I wish you a good recovery. You too! | Formal setting |
“Pareillement” Examples
The table below shows how “Pareillement” is used, often in commercial or more formal settings. It’s a versatile and polite response.
| Initial Statement (French) | Response (French) | Translation (English) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonne journée! | Pareillement! | Have a good day! Likewise! | Standard polite exchange |
| Bon week-end! | Pareillement! | Have a good weekend! Likewise! | Standard polite exchange |
| J’espère que votre journée se passe bien. | Pareillement! | I hope your day is going well. Likewise! | More formal context |
| Passez une bonne soirée! | Pareillement! | Have a good evening! Likewise! | Polite exchange in the evening |
| Bonne continuation! | Pareillement! | Good luck with everything! Likewise! | Wishing someone well |
| J’espère que tout se passe bien pour vous. | Pareillement! | I hope everything is going well for you. Likewise! | Expressing a general well-wishing |
| Bonne chance pour la suite! | Pareillement! | Good luck with what’s next! Likewise! | Wishing someone good luck |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne fin de journée. | Pareillement! | I wish you a good end to the day. Likewise! | More formal, end-of-day wish |
| J’espère que vous avez passé un bon moment. | Pareillement! | I hope you had a good time. Likewise! | Expressing hope for a positive experience |
| Bon voyage! | Pareillement! | Have a good trip! Likewise! | Wishing someone a good trip |
| J’espère que vous allez bien vous reposer. | Pareillement! | I hope you get a good rest. Likewise! | Wishing someone rest |
| Je vous souhaite une agréable journée. | Pareillement! | I wish you a pleasant day. Likewise! | Wishing someone a pleasant day |
| J’espère que vous allez bien profiter de vos vacances. | Pareillement! | I hope you enjoy your vacation. Likewise! | Wishing someone enjoyment of their vacation |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne et heureuse année. | Pareillement! | I wish you a happy new year. Likewise! | Wishing someone a happy new year |
| J’espère que vous allez passer de bonnes fêtes. | Pareillement! | I hope you have a good holiday season. Likewise! | Wishing someone a good holiday season |
| Je vous souhaite un bon rétablissement. | Pareillement! | I wish you a good recovery. Likewise! | Wishing someone a good recovery |
| J’espère que vous allez trouver ce que vous cherchez. | Pareillement! | I hope you find what you’re looking for. Likewise! | Expressing hope for a successful search |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne retraite. | Pareillement! | I wish you a happy retirement. Likewise! | Wishing someone a happy retirement |
| J’espère que vous allez bien vous amuser. | Pareillement! | I hope you have a lot of fun. Likewise! | Wishing someone a lot of fun |
| J’espère que vous allez réussir votre projet. | Pareillement! | I hope you succeed in your project. Likewise! | Wishing someone success |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne santé. | Pareillement! | I wish you good health. Likewise! | Wishing someone good health |
| J’espère que vous allez bien dormir. | Pareillement! | I hope you sleep well. Likewise! | Wishing someone a good night’s sleep |
| J’espère que vous allez passer une bonne journée. | Pareillement! | I hope you have a good day. Likewise! | Wishing someone a good day |
“À vous de même” Examples
This is a less common, very formal response. It’s mostly used in very polite or traditional contexts.
Note its infrequent use in modern French.
| Initial Statement (French) | Response (French) | Translation (English) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Je vous souhaite une excellente journée. | À vous de même. | I wish you an excellent day. To you as well. | Very formal setting |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne et heureuse année. | À vous de même. | I wish you a happy new year. To you as well. | Very formal New Year’s greeting |
| Je vous souhaite une bonne santé. | À vous de même. | I wish you good health. To you as well. | Extremely formal and polite |
As you can see, the usage of “À vous de même” is quite limited in modern French.
“Et vous ?” Examples
This table shows how “Et vous?” can be used to politely return a question to the speaker. It’s a useful phrase for keeping a conversation flowing.
| Initial Statement (French) | Response (French) | Translation (English) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comment allez-vous? | Bien, et vous? | How are you? Well, and you? | Returning a greeting |
| Vous avez passé un bon week-end? | Oui, très bien, et vous? | Did you have a good weekend? Yes, very good, and you? | Returning a question about the weekend |
| Vous aimez ce restaurant? | Oui, beaucoup, et vous? | Do you like this restaurant? Yes, a lot, and you? | Returning a question about a restaurant |
| Vous travaillez ici depuis longtemps? | Oui, depuis deux ans, et vous? | Have you worked here for a long time? Yes, for two years, and you? | Returning a question about work |
| Vous venez souvent ici? | De temps en temps, et vous? | Do you come here often? From time to time, and you? | Returning a question about frequency |
| Vous avez aimé le film? | Oui, très bien, et vous? | Did you like the movie? Yes, very much, and you? | Returning a question about a movie |
| Vous êtes fatigué(e)? | Un peu, et vous? | Are you tired? A little, and you? | Returning a question about tiredness |
| Vous avez des projets pour ce soir? | Oui, je vais au cinéma, et vous? | Do you have plans for tonight? Yes, I’m going to the movies, and you? | Returning a question about plans |
| Vous parlez français depuis longtemps? | Depuis quelques années, et vous? | Have you been speaking French for a long time? For a few years, and you? | Returning a question about language skills |
| Vous êtes d’ici? | Non, je suis de Paris, et vous? | Are you from here? No, I’m from Paris, and you? | Returning a question about origin |
| Vous aimez la musique classique? | Oui, beaucoup, et vous? | Do you like classical music? Yes, a lot, and you? | Returning a question about music preferences |
| Vous avez des enfants? | Oui, deux, et vous? | Do you have children? Yes, two, and you? | Returning a question about family |
| Vous êtes content(e) de votre travail? | Oui, très content(e), et vous? | Are you happy with your job? Yes, very happy, and you? | Returning a question about job satisfaction |
| Vous avez déjà voyagé en France? | Oui, plusieurs fois, et vous? | Have you already traveled to France? Yes, several times, and you? | Returning a question about travel experience |
| Vous aimez le café? | Oui, beaucoup, et vous? | Do you like coffee? Yes, a lot, and you? | Returning a question about coffee preference |
| Vous êtes marié(e)? | Oui, depuis cinq ans, et vous? | Are you married? Yes, for five years, and you? | Returning a question about marital status |
| Vous avez des animaux de compagnie? | Oui, un chat, et vous? | Do you have pets? Yes, a cat, and you? | Returning a question about pets |
| Vous êtes étudiant(e)? | Oui, en médecine, et vous? | Are you a student? Yes, in medicine, and you? | Returning a question about student status |
| Vous habitez loin d’ici? | Non, pas très loin, et vous? | Do you live far from here? No, not very far, and you? | Returning a question about distance |
Usage Rules
Here’s a summary of the usage rules for each phrase:
* **Moi aussi:** Use when agreeing with a statement about shared feelings, preferences, or experiences.
* **Toi aussi:** Use in informal settings to reciprocate a wish or greeting.
* **Vous aussi:** Use in formal settings to reciprocate a wish or greeting.
* **Pareillement:** Use in formal or commercial settings as a polite and versatile response.
* **À vous de même:** Use sparingly, only in very formal or traditional contexts.
* **Et vous?:** Use to politely return a question to the speaker, keeping the conversation flowing.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
*