A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Are you single" in French
Ask if someone is single in French with this direct and common phrase. Perfect for dating or casual conversation.
Tu es célibataire ?
tew ay say-lee-bah-TAIRcasual
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're getting to know someone and want to know their relationship status. It's common in social settings like bars, parties, or after a few dates.
Alternatives
- Vous êtes célibataire ?Use 'vous' when addressing someone you don't know well or in a more formal setting.
- T'es libre ?This is a more informal and flirty way to ask if someone is available, not necessarily just romantically.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'célibataire'
The 'é' sounds like the 'ay' in 'say', not like the 'e' in 'bet'.
Forgetting the liaison
In spoken French, 'es' often links to the next word, sounding like 'ayz' if followed by a vowel, but here it's just 'ay'.
A small cultural note
While direct, asking about relationship status is common in France once a certain level of rapport is established. It's not usually the very first question.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to ask if someone is in a relationship?
You can ask 'Tu es en couple ?' which means 'Are you in a couple?'. This is a slightly softer way to inquire about their status.
Is it rude to ask if someone is single?
It's generally not considered rude if you're in a casual dating or social context. The key is the setting and your existing rapport.
What if I want to be more subtle?
You could try asking about their weekend plans or if they're meeting anyone, which might indirectly reveal their status.
