Using the English

Question

It would be a closer translation I think to say "goes with" in English. As English uses "to go" in the exact same way as french. E.g., "that shirt goes with my sister", is a closer translation than "that shirt suits my sister". In my opinion, as it maintains the "to go with" lineage in its meaning.

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Matthew,
Maarten is correct! The expression "goes with" only works for objects (including food), not a person. So, if you say "this shirt goes with my sister", it implies she is taking it with her.
English does use “go with” in a way that overlaps with the French expression "aller avec", but primarily when talking about things that complement one another: This wine goes with this fish / blue goes with grey / those shoes go with that dress.
You would instead say:
That shirt suits her.
 That shirt looks good on her. 
That shirt fits her well. (if referring specifically to size/fit)
 
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Maarten Kamp · Answer

Matthew,

not sure I could agree that the almost direct translation ( near word for word ) you suggest is better. Quite often direct translations do not sound colloquial or may even be nonsensical in the ‘ recipient ‘ language.

Translations from one language to another should be and ‘ sound ‘ natural/correct in both languages, with the primary intention being to convey the same idea in each language.

Maybe there are regional differences in English usage here I am unaware of, but I have never heard anyone use the expression ‘ it goes with you ‘ to mean that ‘ it suits you ‘.