French Phrase
Quand tu fais coucou ?
Meaning
This phrase uses the informal greeting 'coucou' combined with the verb 'faire' to describe the act of waving or saying a friendly hello. It is a playful expression that captures the moment of acknowledgment between people who are close.
When to use
Use this phrase in very casual settings with friends, family, or children. It is perfect for asking when someone plans to wave or greet a person they know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandtufaiscoucou
Quand
An interrogative adverb used to start questions about time or timing.
Faire
The verb 'faire' (to do/make) is used here in its present tense third-person singular form to complete the idiomatic expression.
🗨In Conversation
Regarde, ta grand-mère arrive !
Look, your grandmother is arriving!
Quand tu fais coucou ?
When are you going to say hi?
✕Common Mistakes
Quand tu dis coucou ?
In French, the idiomatic expression for waving or giving a casual greeting is 'faire coucou' rather than 'dire coucou'.
Quand vous faites coucou ?
'Coucou' is highly informal and is almost always paired with 'tu' unless addressing a group of children or very close friends.
↔Alternatives
Quand est-ce que tu fais coucou ?
When is it that you say hi?
Tu fais coucou quand ?
You wave when?
Cultural Tip
'Coucou' is the French equivalent of a cheerful 'hi' or 'hey'. It is also the name of the game 'peek-a-boo' (coucou-beuh) played with infants. Using it in a business meeting would be seen as inappropriately childish or overly familiar.