French Phrase
Vas‑y, entre.
Meaning
A friendly invitation meaning ‘Go ahead, come in.’ It combines two informal imperatives: *vas‑y* (go ahead) and *entre* (enter). The speaker is usually opening a door or a space and encouraging the listener to step inside.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to let someone enter a room, house, shop, or any enclosed space in a casual, familiar setting. It’s perfect for friends, family, or colleagues you address with *tu*.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vas-yentre
Imperative of aller + y
In the informal second‑person singular, the verb *aller* becomes *vas* and the adverbial pronoun *y* is attached with a hyphen: *vas‑y* (‘go there / go ahead’).
Imperative of entrer
For regular -er verbs, the informal singular imperative drops the final *-s*: *entre* (‘enter, come in’).
🗨In Conversation
Vas‑y, entre.
Go ahead, come in.
Merci, c’est gentil !
Thanks, that’s kind of you!
✕Common Mistakes
Vas‑y, entrer.
After *vas‑y* you must use the imperative form *entre*, not the infinitive *entrer*.
Vas‑y, entrez.
Mixing informal *vas‑y* with the formal/plural imperative *entrez* sounds inconsistent.
Vas‑y, entre‑s‑toi.
The reflexive form is unnecessary here; *entre* already conveys ‘come in’.
↔Alternatives
Allez, entrez.
Please, come in.
Entrez, s’il vous plaît.
Come in, please.
Viens, entre.
Come in.
Cultural Tip
In French, the level of formality is conveyed by the verb form. *Vas‑y, entre* is informal and should be used with people you address with *tu*. In a more formal or plural context you would say *Allez, entrez* or *Entrez, s’il vous plaît*. Also, French speakers often accompany the invitation with a smile and a slight gesture of opening the door.