French Phrase
Tu as quelque chose à déclarer ?
Meaning
Literally ‘Do you have something to declare?’, this question is asked when an authority (customs officer, police, accountant) wants to know whether you have any items, money, or information that must be reported.
When to use
Use it in informal or semi‑formal situations where you address someone with *tu* – for example at the airport with a friendly officer, in a role‑play, or when a friend jokes about ‘confessing’ something.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuasquelquechoseàdéclarer?
Tu (subject pronoun)
Informal second‑person singular pronoun used with friends, family, or in casual settings.
as (avoir, present)
Second‑person singular of the verb *avoir* (to have). It is used here to ask about possession of something.
quelque chose (indefinite pronoun)
Means ‘something’ or ‘anything’; it is invariable and can be used in both affirmative and interrogative sentences.
à + infinitive
The preposition *à* introduces an infinitive that expresses purpose or a pending action – here ‘to declare’.
déclarer (infinitive)
Means ‘to declare’; in this context it refers to informing an authority about items, money, etc.
🗨In Conversation
Tu as quelque chose à déclarer ?
Do you have anything to declare?
Non, rien du tout.
No, nothing at all.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu es quelque chose à déclarer ?
Do not use *être* (es) here; the verb must be *avoir* (as) because you are asking about possession.
Tu as quelque à déclarer ?
The indefinite pronoun is *quelque chose*, not just *quelque*.
↔Alternatives
Avez‑vous quelque chose à déclarer ?
Do you have anything to declare? (formal)
Tu n'as rien à déclarer ?
You have nothing to declare, right?
Y a‑t‑il quelque chose à déclarer ?
Is there anything to declare?
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking airports and border controls the officer will usually say *Vous avez quelque chose à déclarer ?* using the formal *vous*. Switching to *tu* signals a very relaxed atmosphere or a role‑play scenario. Remember that *déclarer* can also be used in tax or legal contexts, not only customs.