French Phrase
Tu peux m'expliquer l'addition ?
Meaning
The speaker is politely asking someone to explain how addition works, usually in a classroom or tutoring context. The tone is informal but courteous, using ‘tu’ rather than the formal ‘vous’.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need a clear, step‑by‑step explanation of adding numbers, whether you’re a student, a learner of French math terminology, or simply curious about the process.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tupeuxm'expliquerl'addition?
Présent de pouvoir
‘Peux’ is the 2nd person singular present of the verb ‘pouvoir’, used to ask for permission or ability.
Pronoms objets directs
‘m'’ is the contracted form of ‘me’, a direct object pronoun placed before the infinitive.
L' + nom masculin
‘l'’ is the elided form of the definite article ‘le’ before a vowel, here introducing the noun ‘addition’.
Forme interrogative polie
The sentence uses intonation (question mark) rather than inversion, which is common in spoken French.
🗨In Conversation
Tu peux m'expliquer l'addition ?
Can you explain addition to me?
Bien sûr ! On commence par aligner les chiffres de même rang, puis on additionne de droite à gauche.
Sure! We start by aligning the digits of the same place value, then we add from right to left.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu pouvoir m'expliquer l'addition ?
Do not use ‘pouvoir’ in the infinitive here; you need the conjugated form ‘peux’ for ‘tu’.
Tu peux m'expliquer une addition ?
Avoid using the indefinite article ‘une’ unless you mean ‘a specific addition problem’. The definite article is standard when speaking about the operation in general.
Tu peux expliquer m' l'addition ?
The object pronoun must be attached to the infinitive; placing it after the verb is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Peux‑tu m'expliquer comment faire une addition ?
Can you explain to me how to do an addition?
Est‑ce que tu peux m'expliquer l'addition ?
Could you explain addition to me?
Tu pourrais m'expliquer l'addition, s'il te plaît ?
Could you please explain addition to me?
Cultural Tip
In French classrooms, teachers often use the phrase ‘faire une addition’ rather than just ‘addition’. When asking for help, adding ‘s’il te plaît’ softens the request. Remember that ‘tu’ is appropriate with peers or younger people; with adults you’d switch to ‘vous’ (e.g., ‘Vous pouvez m'expliquer l'addition ?’).