Figurez-vous (en. Imagine)

/fi.ɡy.ʁe.vu/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Expression used to introduce an astonishing anecdote.

Can you believe it, he won the lottery.

Figurez-vous, il a gagné à la loterie.

Used to capture the listener's attention before delivering unexpected information.

Can you believe that I met a celebrity yesterday.

Figurez-vous que j'ai rencontré une célébrité hier.

Often expresses a form of skepticism or surprise.

Can you believe she forgot her own birthday.

Figurez-vous qu'elle a oublié son propre anniversaire.

The expression comes from the verb 'figurer' meaning 'to represent mentally' and the reflexive pronoun 'vous'.

can you imagine

indicates additional surprise.

figurez-vous bien

can you believe that it happened

indicates that something unexpected has occurred.

figurez-vous que ça arrive

you can well imagine

means that one can easily picture the situation.

vous figurez bien

figure

to represent something or someone mentally.

figurer

imagine

inviting someone to conceive a situation.

imaginez

believe

to have the conviction of the truth of a situation.

croire

It's unbelievable

Can you believe it, he really did that!

Figurez-vous, il a vraiment fait ça!

No way

Can you believe that he managed to convince everyone!

Figurez-vous qu'il a réussi à convaincre tout le monde!