French Phrase
Tu peux m'expliquer ça plus en détail ?
Meaning
This phrase is a polite and direct way to ask someone to elaborate on something they've just said or presented. It indicates that you've understood the general idea but need more specific information or a deeper explanation to fully grasp it. It's a common expression for seeking clarification.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need further clarification or more information about a topic that has been briefly introduced. It's suitable in informal settings with friends, family, or colleagues you're on a 'tu' basis with, such as during a casual conversation, a study session, or a team meeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tupeuxm'expliquerçaplus en détail?
Tu (You - informal)
'Tu' is the informal singular 'you'. It's used with friends, family, children, and people you know well. Its use here sets an informal tone for the request.
Peux (Can)
'Peux' is the conjugation of the verb 'pouvoir' (to be able to/can) for 'tu'. It indicates ability or permission, making the request polite rather than a demand.
M' (Me)
'M'' is the contracted form of 'me' (to me/for me) before a vowel. It's an indirect object pronoun, indicating that the explanation is directed towards the speaker.
Expliquer (To explain)
This is the infinitive form of the verb 'to explain'. After a conjugated modal verb like 'pouvoir', the second verb usually remains in the infinitive.
Ça (That)
'Ça' is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'it'. It refers to the topic or situation that needs further explanation.
Plus en détail (In more detail)
This is an adverbial phrase meaning 'in more detail'. 'Plus' means 'more', and 'en détail' means 'in detail'. It specifies the kind of explanation being requested.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai commencé un nouveau projet, c'est super intéressant!
I started a new project, it's super interesting!
Ah oui? Tu peux m'expliquer ça plus en détail?
Oh really? Can you explain that to me in more detail?
✕Common Mistakes
Tu peux m'expliquer ça plus en détail, s'il vous plaît?
Mixing 'tu' (informal) with 's'il vous plaît' (formal) is grammatically incorrect and jarring. If you use 'tu', stick to 's'il te plaît'.
Tu peux m'expliquer plus en détail ça?
The pronoun 'ça' (that) should generally precede the adverbial phrase 'plus en détail' when it's the direct object of 'expliquer'.
Tu peux m'expliquer ça plus de détail?
The correct preposition is 'en' (in) when referring to 'detail' in this context, not 'de' (of). It's 'plus en détail'.
↔Alternatives
Pourriez-vous m'en dire plus?
Could you tell me more about it?
Peux-tu développer?
Can you elaborate?
J'aimerais en savoir plus.
I'd like to know more about it.
Est-ce que tu pourrais préciser?
Could you specify?
Cultural Tip
In French, the choice between 'tu' and 'vous' is crucial for politeness and social context. 'Tu peux m'expliquer...' is informal. If you're speaking to someone you don't know well, an elder, or in a formal professional setting, you should use the 'vous' form: 'Pourriez-vous m'expliquer ça plus en détail, s'il vous plaît?' This shows respect and avoids appearing overly familiar or rude.