Learning French: what does ça te dit mean and when should it be used?

This popular question is particularly awkward to translate literally into English, however it is extremely useful for making plans when in France.  

We look at the real meaning behind this casual saying, explain how to pronounce it and suggest other handy synonyms...  ça vous dit ?  

What does ça te dit mean?

Ca te dit is an informal expression that literally translates as, ‘it tells you,’ and is always formed as part of a question.

This French saying is actually used to ask if someone is interested in a particular idea or proposition, similar to the English phrases: do you want to, or do you feel like?

Other informal synonyms include:

• Ca te tente ? - Do you fancy it?

• Tu es partant(e) ? - Are you up for it?

• Tu as envie ? - Would you like to?

• Et si… ? - How about…?

How do you say ça te dit?

If we were to break this phrase down phonetically, it could be written as: sa-teuh-dee. 

The letter ‘t’ at the end of dit is silent. 

Some people incorrectly spell dit as dis, likely due to the fact that the verb dire is usually conjugated with an ‘s’ when used in the second person.

Similarly, the formal vouvoie version of this phrase is ça vous dit (phonetically: sa-voo-dee), and should never be written as ça vous dites. 

It can however be said in the conditional: ça te/vous dirait… (would you be interested in…). 

Read also: Learning French: what does c'est pas la peine mean and when should it be used?

When do you say ça te dit?

It can be used as a standalone phrase after a statement, to ask if someone is interested in doing something:

• Statement: Je vais aller à la plage demain. Ca te dit ? - I’m going to the beach tomorrow. Want to join me?

• Response: Ah oui, ça me tente énormément. - Oh yeah, that sounds really good.

Another popular way of using ça te dit is to add it to the start of a statement, when making casual plans:

• Ca te dit d’aller prendre un verre ? - Do you fancy going to get a drink?

• Ca te dit d'aller à la bibliothèque après l'école ? - Are you up for going to the library after school?

• Ca te dit de faire un stage d'écriture créative avec moi ? - Would you like to do a creative writing course with me?

Read also: Learning French: what does ça va aller mean and when should it be used?

To whom do you say ça te dit?

It is considered informal language that should only really be used with friends and family (with the exception of some older family members). 

You will mostly hear this out loud but can also see if written in casual message exchanges. 

A more formal alternative synonym is: ça vous intéresse ?

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com