French Phrase
Tu fais des courses ?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard informal way to ask if someone is currently grocery shopping or running errands. It uses the verb 'faire' (to do/make) to describe the activity of gathering daily necessities.
When to use
Use this question in casual settings with friends or family members when you see them heading out or returning with bags. It is specifically used for food or household essentials rather than leisure shopping for clothes.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tufaisdescourses?
Faire (fais)
The verb 'faire' is used for chores and activities; here it is conjugated in the present tense for 'tu'.
Des courses
This is a fixed expression where 'courses' refers to errands or grocery items.
🗨In Conversation
Tu fais des courses ?
Are you doing some shopping?
Oui, tu as besoin de quelque chose ?
Yes, do you need anything?
✕Common Mistakes
Tu fais du shopping ?
In French, 'shopping' is reserved for leisure activities like buying clothes; use 'des courses' for groceries.
Tu vas des courses ?
You cannot use 'aller' directly with 'des courses'; you must use 'faire' or 'aller faire'.
↔Alternatives
Tu vas au supermarché ?
Are you going to the supermarket?
Est-ce que tu fais les courses ?
Are you doing the grocery shopping?
Cultural Tip
In France, 'faire les courses' often involves visiting multiple specialty shops like the 'boulangerie' or 'boucherie', though the phrase is also used for the weekly supermarket trip. The choice of 'des' (some) versus 'les' (the) often distinguishes between a quick errand and the main weekly shop.