French Phrase
Tu veux un café ?
Meaning
Literally, “You want a coffee?” It’s a friendly, informal way to ask someone if they’d like a coffee, often used in casual settings like at home, in a café, or during a break.
When to use
Use this phrase with people you know well or when the setting is relaxed. In a more formal context you’d say ‘Vous voulez un café ?’ or ‘Souhaitez‑vous un café ?’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tuveuxuncafé?
Subject Pronoun (Tu)
‘Tu’ is the informal singular second‑person pronoun used with friends, family, or peers.
Verb ‘vouloir’ (present)
‘veux’ is the 2nd‑person singular present form of ‘vouloir’ (to want).
Indefinite Article (un)
‘un’ is the masculine singular indefinite article, used before a countable noun.
Noun Gender (café)
‘café’ is a masculine noun meaning ‘coffee’ (the drink).
Question Mark in Speech
In spoken French, the rising intonation signals a question; the written ‘?’ mirrors that.
🗨In Conversation
Tu veux un café ?
Do you want a coffee?
Oui, merci ! Et toi ?
Yes, thank you! And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Tu voules un café ?
Do not use ‘voules’ – the correct 2nd‑person singular present form is ‘veux’.
Tu veux une café ?
Avoid mixing gender; ‘café’ is masculine, so use ‘un’, not ‘une’.
Tu veux un café ? (to a boss)
When speaking to strangers or elders, replace ‘tu’ with the formal ‘vous’.
↔Alternatives
Tu prends un café ?
Are you having a coffee?
Ça te dit un café ?
Fancy a coffee?
Vous voulez un café ?
Do you want a coffee? (formal/plural)
Cultural Tip
In France, coffee is often served in small cups (espresso) and offered after a meal. Offering someone a coffee is a common gesture of hospitality, but be aware that asking “Tu veux un café ?” implies a casual relationship. In a business meeting, it’s safer to use the formal ‘vous’ form.