French Phrase
Bien sûr, je peux voir ton passeport ?
Meaning
Literally, “Sure, can I see your passport?” It is a polite way to ask someone to show their passport, often used by hotel receptionists, airline staff, or police officers. The phrase combines agreement (Bien sûr) with a request for permission (je peux voir).
When to use
Use this sentence when you are speaking informally (using ‘tu’) with a traveler you need to verify, such as at a hotel check‑in or a border checkpoint. In a formal setting replace ‘ton’ with ‘votre’ and you may drop ‘Bien sûr’ for a more neutral tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Biensûr,jepeuxvoirtonpasseport?
Bien sûr
An adverbial phrase meaning “of course” or “sure”. It can start a sentence to show agreement before a request.
Pouvoir (je peux)
The verb pouvoir expresses ability or permission. Conjugated in present tense: je peux, tu peux, il/elle peut, etc.
Infinitive after pouvoir
When pouvoir is followed by another verb, the second verb stays in the infinitive (voir = to see).
Possessive adjective ton
‘Ton’ is the informal (tu) masculine singular possessive adjective. Use ‘votre’ for formal or plural address.
Noun gender – passeport
‘Passeport’ is masculine, so the article and adjectives agree in gender (le passeport, ton passeport).
🗨In Conversation
Bien sûr, je peux voir ton passeport ?
Sure, can I see your passport?
Oui, le voici.
Yes, here it is.
✕Common Mistakes
Bien sûr, je peux voir ta passeport ?
The noun is masculine; avoid using a feminine article or adjective with it.
Bien sûr, je peux voir ton passeport ?
Use ‘votre’ when speaking to someone you don’t know well or in a formal setting.
↔Alternatives
Puis‑je voir ton passeport ?
May I see your passport?
Est‑ce que je peux voir ton passeport ?
Can I see your passport?
Je peux voir ton passeport, s’il te plaît ?
Could you show me your passport, please?
Bien sûr, je peux voir votre passeport ?
Sure, may I see your passport? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking countries, asking to see a passport is a routine part of many official interactions. Using ‘ton’ signals familiarity; with strangers or in official contexts, switch to ‘votre’ to stay polite. Adding ‘s’il vous plaît’ after the request makes it even more courteous, especially in formal environments like airports or government offices.