A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Will you marry me" in French
The classic, direct way to ask someone to marry you in French, suitable for a romantic proposal.
Veux-tu m'épouser ?
vuh-TOO meh-pwah-ZAYcasual
French TTS · 0:01
This is the phrase for the big moment, when you're ready to pop the question. It's used when you are proposing marriage to someone you love deeply.
Alternatives
- Est-ce que tu veux m'épouser ?Slightly more formal than the target, good if you want to be extra clear.
- Épouse-moi !More of a command, very direct and dramatic.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'veux'
The 'x' is silent; it sounds like 'vuh', not 'veks'.
Forgetting the liaison
Connect the 's' in 'm'épouser' to the 'm' of 'm' for a smooth sound: 'm'ep-wah-ZAY'.
Using 'vous'
Using 'vous' would sound very strange in this context, as you'd only propose to someone you use 'tu' with.
A small cultural note
While 'Veux-tu m'épouser ?' is the standard, some might prefer a more elaborate or personalized declaration of love before the question itself.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What if I'm already married and want to ask again?
You wouldn't use this phrase. This is specifically for a first-time proposal of marriage.
Is there a way to ask without using 'tu'?
It's highly unusual to propose with 'vous'. The intimacy of marriage implies a 'tu' relationship.
How do French people propose?
Often, it's a very private, romantic moment. The exact words can vary, but the sentiment is universal.
