French Phrase
Ça te va à 4 heures ?
Meaning
This phrase is a standard way to propose or confirm a meeting time in French. It uses the verb 'aller' (to go) idiomatically to mean 'to suit' or 'to be okay with' someone. It is direct yet polite, making it a staple for daily scheduling.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are finalizing plans with friends, family, or colleagues you are on a first-name basis with. It is ideal for casual settings where you need a quick confirmation on a specific time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çatevaà4 heures
Ça (Subject)
A shortened form of 'cela', acting as the neutral subject 'it' or 'that'.
Te (Object)
The informal object pronoun for 'you'. If speaking formally, you would replace this with 'vous'.
Aller (Verb)
The verb 'va' comes from 'aller'. In this context, it functions like the English 'that goes well with you' to mean 'that suits you'.
🗨In Conversation
On se retrouve devant le cinéma ?
Shall we meet in front of the cinema?
D'accord. Ça te va à 4 heures ?
Okay. Does 4 o'clock work for you?
✕Common Mistakes
Ça te vas à 4 heures ?
Even though you are talking to 'tu', the subject of the verb is 'ça' (it), so the verb must be in the third-person singular 'va'.
Est-ce que ça te va sur 4 heures ?
In French, we use the preposition 'à' to indicate a specific time, never 'sur' or 'en' in this context.
↔Alternatives
On se voit à 4 heures ?
Shall we see each other at 4?
Est-ce que 16h vous convient ?
Does 4 PM suit you? (Formal)
Cultural Tip
While French speakers often use the 12-hour clock in casual speech, they almost always use the 24-hour clock for official schedules or written invitations. If you want to be very clear it is the afternoon, you can say '16 heures' or add 'de l'après-midi'.