How to translate the word "about" into French, with usage examples for intermediate and advanced learners

The word “about” in English can have several meanings, and translating it into French depends on the context. Let’s explore the main ways to express “about” in French, with examples to show how each form works.

1. À propos de – For Topics, Subjects, or Issues

Use à propos de when referring to a subject or topic you want to discuss. This is similar to “about” in English when we say, “Let’s talk about [topic].”

Example: Je veux parler à propos de notre voyage.
Meaning: I want to talk about our trip.
Example: Il a une question à propos de la réunion.
Meaning: He has a question about the meeting.

2. Environ – For Approximate Numbers

Use environ when “about” means an approximate amount, time, or distance. It’s like saying “around” in English.

Example: Il y a environ 50 personnes ici.
Meaning: There are about 50 people here.
Example: Nous arriverons dans environ une heure.
Meaning: We’ll arrive in about an hour.

3. Vers – For Approximate Times

Use vers when giving an approximate time. This is similar to “around” or “about” when referring to times.

Example: Je serai là vers midi.
Meaning: I’ll be there around noon.
Example: Le film commence vers 20 heures.
Meaning: The movie starts around 8 p.m.

4. Au sujet de – Another Way to Say “About” a Topic

Au sujet de is close in meaning to à propos de. Both are used when discussing topics, but au sujet de sounds a bit more formal.

Example: Elle veut en savoir plus au sujet de ton projet.
Meaning: She wants to know more about your project.
Example: Nous avons discuté au sujet de la politique.
Meaning: We discussed politics.

5. Concernant – For More Formal Contexts

Concernant is a formal way to say “about” or “regarding.” It’s often used in written or formal speech.

Example: Je vous écris concernant votre demande.
Meaning: I am writing to you regarding your request.
Example: Il y a des informations importantes concernant la sécurité.
Meaning: There is important information regarding safety.

6. Sur – Literally “On,” but Often Used as “About”

In some cases, sur can be used to mean “about,” especially in contexts like writing, reports, or media.

Example: Un livre sur l’histoire de la France.
Meaning: A book about the history of France.
Example: Elle a fait un reportage sur la pauvreté.
Meaning: She did a report on (about) poverty.

Summary Table

English “About”	French Translation	Example	Translation
Topic/Subject	à propos de	Je parle à propos de* la santé.*	I’m talking about health.
Approximate Number	environ	Il y a environ* 10 personnes.*	There are about 10 people.
Approximate Time	vers	Je partirai vers* 14 heures.*	I’ll leave around 2 p.m.
Topic (Formal)	au sujet de	Une réunion au sujet de* l’économie.*	A meeting about the economy.
Formal Writing	concernant	Une lettre concernant* le projet.*	A letter regarding the project.
Media/Topics	sur	Un article sur* la technologie.*	An article about technology.

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