French Phrase
Je lui propose ma place ?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether they should offer their seat to another person. It is a polite way to check before giving up a place, especially in a crowded bus, train, or theater.
When to use
Use this sentence when you notice someone standing (elderly, pregnant, disabled, or simply tired) and you want to be courteous by offering your seat, but you first want to confirm that it’s appropriate.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jeluiproposemaplace?
Subject pronoun
"Je" is the first‑person singular subject pronoun, placed before the verb.
Indirect object pronoun
"lui" is the indirect object pronoun meaning “to him/her”; it must precede the verb in a simple declarative sentence.
Verb proposer
"propose" is the present‑tense form of proposer (to offer) for the subject "je".
Possessive adjective
"ma" agrees in gender and number with the feminine noun "place" (my seat).
Question formation
Adding a question mark turns the statement into a spoken question; the intonation rises at the end, or you can use "est‑ce que" or inversion for a more formal tone.
🗨In Conversation
Je lui propose ma place ?
Should I offer my seat to him/her?
Oui, c’est très gentil.
Yes, that’s very kind.
✕Common Mistakes
Je le propose ma place ?
"Le" is a direct object pronoun; proposer takes an indirect object, so you must use "lui".
Je propose ma place lui ?
The pronoun must come before the verb; placing it after sounds ungrammatical.
Je lui propose mon place ?
"Place" is feminine, so the possessive must be "ma", not "mon".
↔Alternatives
Je peux lui offrir ma place.
I can offer my seat to him/her.
Je lui donne ma place.
I give my seat to him/her.
Je lui propose de s’asseoir ici.
I suggest that he/she sit here.
Cultural Tip
In France, offering your seat to an elderly person, a pregnant woman, or someone with a disability is considered a sign of good manners. Use the indirect object pronoun "lui" for a single person; for a group you would say "leur". In formal settings you might phrase it as "Est‑ce que je peux vous proposer ma place ?" to sound more polite.