French Phrase
Tu peux parler maintenant ?
Meaning
A polite way to ask someone if they are ready or able to speak at this moment, often after a pause, a phone call, or a meeting. The tone is informal because of the *tu* pronoun.
When to use
Use this question when you want to check if the other person can start talking now – for example, after a brief silence on a video call, before a presentation, or when you’re waiting for a friend to finish a task before you continue the conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tupeuxparlermaintenant?
Pouvoir (present)
The verb *pouvoir* means ‘can’ or ‘to be able to’. In the present tense, it conjugates as *je peux, tu peux, il/elle peut, nous pouvons, vous pouvez, ils/elles peuvent*.
Infinitive after modal
After a modal verb like *pouvoir*, the following verb stays in the infinitive (here *parler*).
Adverb placement
Adverbs of time such as *maintenant* usually follow the infinitive or the whole verb phrase: *peux parler maintenant*.
Informal ‘tu’
Using *tu* signals familiarity. In a formal context you would switch to *vous* and adjust the verb accordingly (*Vous pouvez…*).
🗨In Conversation
Tu peux parler maintenant ?
Can you speak now?
Oui, je suis prêt(e).
Yes, I’m ready.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu peut parler maintenant ?
‘Peut’ is the third‑person singular form; with *tu* you need *peux*.
Tu peux parles maintenant ?
After *pouvoir* the following verb stays infinitive; do not conjugate *parler*.
Maintenant tu peux parler ?
Placing *maintenant* before the subject sounds unnatural in this construction.
Vous peux parler maintenant ?
When using *vous*, the verb must agree: *vous pouvez*.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que tu peux parler maintenant ?
Can you speak now?
Peux‑tu parler maintenant ?
Can you speak now?
Tu peux parler maintenant, s’il te plaît ?
Could you speak now, please?
Vous pouvez parler maintenant ?
Can you (formal) speak now?
Cultural Tip
In French, the choice between *tu* and *vous* carries social weight. *Tu* is reserved for friends, family, or peers, while *vous* shows respect or distance. Also, French speakers often place *maintenant* after the infinitive, but you may also hear *maintenant, tu peux parler ?* for extra emphasis.