Meaning
An informal question asking about someone's desire.
Cultural Background
In France, 'Veux-tu' is often replaced by 'Tu veux ?' in speech. Using 'Veux-tu' can sound slightly more traditional or careful. In Quebec, the particle '-tu' is often added to the end of statements to make them questions, but 'Veux-tu' remains a standard form for offers. The distinction between 'tu' and 'vous' is a social minefield. When in doubt, use 'Voulez-vous' until invited to use 'tu'.
The Hyphen Rule
Always use a hyphen when the verb comes before the subject in a question.
The 'Tu' Trap
Only use this with people you are close to. Using it with a stranger can be seen as rude.
Meaning
An informal question asking about someone's desire.
The Hyphen Rule
Always use a hyphen when the verb comes before the subject in a question.
The 'Tu' Trap
Only use this with people you are close to. Using it with a stranger can be seen as rude.
Spoken Shortcut
In real life, you'll mostly hear 'Tu veux...?' instead of 'Veux-tu...?'.
Test Yourself
Complete the question with the correct form of 'Veux-tu'.
_______-tu un verre d'eau ?
The 'tu' form of 'vouloir' is 'veux'.
Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
Select the right one:
Inverted questions require a hyphen and a question mark.
Match the French question to its English meaning.
1. Veux-tu manger ? 2. Veux-tu {le|m} livre ? 3. Veux-tu partir ?
Manger = eat, livre = book, partir = leave.
In which situation would you say 'Veux-tu...?'
Choose the best context:
'Veux-tu' is informal and only for people you know well.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______-tu un verre d'eau ?
The 'tu' form of 'vouloir' is 'veux'.
Select the right one:
Inverted questions require a hyphen and a question mark.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Manger = eat, livre = book, partir = leave.
Choose the best context:
'Veux-tu' is informal and only for people you know well.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it uses 'tu', which is informal. However, the inversion makes it slightly more structured than 'Tu veux ?'.
Yes, 'Veux-tu de l'eau ?' is correct and very common.
'Veux-tu' is direct (Do you want), while 'Voudrais-tu' is more polite (Would you like).
Yes, in written French, the hyphen is mandatory for inverted questions.
Yes, just add an infinitive verb after it, like 'Veux-tu danser ?'.
Yes, but they also use 'Tu veux-tu ?' which is a local informal variation.
Related Phrases
Ça te dit ?
similarAre you up for it?
Désires-tu...?
synonymDo you desire...?
As-tu envie de...?
similarDo you feel like...?
Voulez-vous...?
specialized formDo you want (formal)?
