French Phrase
Le vendeur peut t'aider.
Meaning
The sentence means “The salesperson can help you.” It states that the shop assistant has the ability to assist the listener with a request or problem.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are in a store, market, or any retail setting and want to let someone know that the shop staff is ready to assist, especially in informal contexts where ‘tu’ is appropriate.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Levendeurpeutt'aider.
Le (definite article)
Masculine singular definite article used before a noun that is known or specific.
vendeur (noun)
Masculine noun meaning ‘salesperson’ or ‘shop assistant.’
peut (pouvoir)
Third‑person singular present of the modal verb pouvoir, meaning ‘can’ or ‘is able to.’
t' (te)
Clitic object pronoun for ‘you’ (informal). It contracts to t' before a vowel or mute h.
aider (infinitive)
Infinitive verb meaning ‘to help.’ After a modal verb, the infinitive follows directly.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, je cherche un cadeau pour mon ami.
Excuse me, I’m looking for a gift for my friend.
Le vendeur peut t'aider.
The salesperson can help you.
✕Common Mistakes
Le vendeur peux t'aider.
‘Peux’ is the first‑person singular form; the subject is ‘le vendeur’ (third person), so the correct form is ‘peut’.
Le vendeur peut te aider.
Before the vowel‑initial infinitive ‘aider’, the pronoun contracts to t'. Using ‘te’ would be ungrammatical.
Le vendeur peut aider toi.
Object pronouns must precede the infinitive after a modal verb; you cannot place ‘toi’ after ‘aider’.
↔Alternatives
Le vendeur peut vous aider.
The salesperson can help you (formal/plural).
Le vendeur est là pour vous aider.
The salesperson is there to help you.
Le vendeur saura vous aider.
The salesperson will know how to help you.
Cultural Tip
In most French shops staff are addressed with ‘vous’ as a sign of respect. Switching to ‘tu’ (as in t'aider) is only appropriate if the salesperson invites you to use the informal form or if you’re in a very small, familiar boutique. Also, note that ‘peut’ expresses ability; if you want to ask for permission you would use ‘peut‑il vous aider ?’