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French Phrase

Alors tu veux dire...?

/a.lɔʁ ty vø diʁ/
Meaning"So you mean...?"
💡

Meaning

This phrase is used to seek clarification or confirmation of something someone has just said. It implies a slight pause or a need to rephrase or summarize the previous statement to ensure understanding. Depending on the tone, it can also express surprise or skepticism.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need to confirm your understanding of what someone has just explained, especially if the information is complex or unexpected. It's also useful for summarizing someone's point before responding, or when you want to gently challenge an idea by rephrasing it.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Alorstuveuxdire...?

1

Alors

'Alors' is an adverb meaning 'so,' 'then,' or 'therefore.' It's often used to introduce a consequence, a summary, or a question based on previous information.

2

Tu veux dire

This is the informal 'you' (tu) form of the verb 'vouloir dire' (to mean/to want to say). 'Vouloir' (to want) is conjugated as 'veux' for 'tu'.

3

Dire

'Dire' is the infinitive verb 'to say' or 'to tell.' In the construction 'vouloir dire,' it acts as part of a single idiomatic unit meaning 'to mean.'

🗨In Conversation

A

Je pense qu'il faut d'abord revoir la stratégie marketing avant de lancer le produit.

I think we first need to review the marketing strategy before launching the product.

Alors tu veux dire qu'on devrait retarder le lancement?

So you mean we should delay the launch?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Alors tu dis...?

    While 'dire' means 'to say', 'vouloir dire' (to want to say / to mean) is specifically used for clarifying meaning or intent. 'Dis' is the conjugated form of 'dire'.

↔Alternatives

  • C'est-à-dire...?

    That is to say...?

  • Tu veux dire que...?

    You mean that...?

  • Donc, si je comprends bien...?

    So, if I understand correctly...?

fr

Cultural Tip

In French conversation, it's common to seek clarification to ensure precise understanding, as directness can sometimes be perceived differently than in English. Using phrases like 'Alors tu veux dire...?' shows engagement and a desire to communicate effectively, rather than implying a lack of comprehension. It's a polite way to manage complex discussions.