French Phrase
Tu veux que je t'explique ?
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "You want that I to you explain?". It's a common and polite way to offer an explanation or to check if someone needs further clarification on a topic. It implies a willingness to help the other person understand.
When to use
Use this phrase when you've just said something complex, noticed confusion on someone's face, or are discussing a topic where the other person might need more details. It's suitable for informal settings due to the use of 'tu'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuveuxquejet'explique
Tu (You)
This is the informal singular subject pronoun for 'you'. It's used when speaking to friends, family, children, or people you know well.
Veux (Want)
This is the conjugation of the verb 'vouloir' (to want) in the present tense for 'tu'. 'Vouloir' is an irregular verb.
Que (That)
This conjunction introduces a subordinate clause, often triggering the subjunctive mood in the following verb, especially after verbs expressing desire, emotion, doubt, or necessity.
Je (I)
This is the singular subject pronoun for 'I'.
T' (To you)
This is the contracted form of 'te', the informal indirect object pronoun meaning 'to you'. It comes before the verb and contracts to 't'' before a vowel or silent 'h'.
Explique (Explain)
This is the subjunctive present tense form of the verb 'expliquer' (to explain) for 'je'. The subjunctive is required here because 'vouloir que' expresses a desire or wish.
🗨In Conversation
Je n'ai pas bien compris la dernière partie du cours.
I didn't quite understand the last part of the lesson.
Ah, tu veux que je t'explique ?
Oh, do you want me to explain it to you?
✕Common Mistakes
Tu veux que je t'expliquer ?
After 'que' with a verb expressing desire (like 'vouloir'), the following verb must be in the subjunctive mood, not the infinitive. 'Explique' is the subjunctive form here.
Tu veux que je explique à toi ?
The indirect object pronoun 'te' (contracted to 't'' before a vowel) should be placed before the conjugated verb in the subordinate clause, not after with 'à'.
↔Alternatives
Je peux t'expliquer si tu veux.
I can explain it to you if you want.
Voulez-vous que je vous explique ?
Do you want me to explain it to you? (formal)
Besoin d'explications ?
Need explanations?
Cultural Tip
In French, offering an explanation directly like this is common and considered helpful. The use of 'tu' makes it informal, appropriate for friends, family, or peers. For a more formal context, such as with a superior or someone you don't know well, you would use 'Voulez-vous que je vous explique ?'.