French Phrase
Tu te peignes les cheveux ?
Meaning
Literally, “Do you comb your hair?” It asks whether the listener is currently combing their hair or habitually does so. The reflexive form shows the action is performed on oneself.
When to use
Use this question in casual conversation when you notice someone’s hair is tangled, before a photo, or simply to start a light‑hearted chat about grooming habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tutepeigneslescheveux?
Subject Pronoun (Tu)
‘Tu’ is the informal singular subject pronoun used when speaking to a friend, family member, or someone of the same age.
Reflexive Pronoun (te)
‘te’ is the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject ‘tu’, indicating the action is performed on oneself.
Present Tense of ‘se peigner’ (peignes)
‘peignes’ is the second‑person singular (tu) present‑indicative form of the reflexive verb ‘se peigner’ (to comb).
Definite Article (les)
‘les’ is the plural definite article meaning ‘the’, used here before the noun ‘cheveux’.
Noun (cheveux)
‘cheveux’ means ‘hair’ (plural). In French, hair is always plural.
Question Mark (Intonation)
In spoken French the rising intonation signals a yes/no question; in writing the question mark replaces inversion or ‘est‑ce que’.
🗨In Conversation
Tu te peignes les cheveux ?
Do you comb your hair?
Oui, je le fais chaque matin avant d’aller au travail.
Yes, I do it every morning before going to work.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu se peignes les cheveux ?
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject; for ‘tu’ it is ‘te’, not ‘se’.
Tu te peignes des cheveux ?
‘Cheveux’ is already plural; avoid adding an extra article like ‘des’.
Tu te peigner les cheveux ?
Using the infinitive ‘peigner’ makes the sentence a statement, not a question.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que tu te coiffes ?
Do you style your hair?
Tu te passes le peigne ?
Do you run a comb through your hair?
Tu te peignes ?
Do you comb (your hair)?
Cultural Tip
In France, personal grooming is often discussed in a friendly, informal way. Using ‘tu’ signals familiarity; if you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well, switch to the formal ‘vous’: ‘Vous vous peignez les cheveux ?’ Also, note that ‘cheveux’ is always plural, even when referring to a single person’s hair.