The French verb faire means “to do” or “to make,” but many set phrases use a different English verb. Some refer to everyday tasks or activities; others have a figurative meaning. Summary Faire can mean “do” or “make,” but its meaning often changes in common phrases. These expressions cover daily tasks, shopping, travel, weather, exercise,…
The French phrase on s’en doute translates literally as “one doubts it” or “we doubt it.” In practice, it means the opposite of what the words suggest. When a French speaker says on s’en doute, they mean “I/we could guess,” “that’s obvious,” “I suspected as much,” or “it figures.” The phrase works by using doubt…
The French phrase sur le coup translates literally to “on the stroke” or “on the blow.” It comes from the idea of being struck or caught at a precise moment, and the phrase carries several distinct but related meanings. Primary meanings Sur le coup has three main uses in French: Immediate reaction or impulse. The…
The French phrase d’ici à ce que means “until” or “by the time that.” It introduces a subordinate clause that describes a future event or state. The action in the main clause happens before that future event occurs, or continues up to that point. The phrase always takes the subjunctive mood in the clause that…
The French expression pour peu que introduces a condition. It means that even a small amount, or a slight possibility, is enough for something else to happen. It is usually translated as “if,” “provided that,” “as long as,” or “if only.” The exact translation depends on the context. The verb after pour peu que is…
Ça, par exemple ! is a fixed exclamation used to express surprise, sometimes with a touch of indignation or disbelief mixed in. It is a phrase rather than a single word, and its meaning has drifted well away from what the individual words suggest on their own. Meaning Taken word for word, ça means “that”…
Ça alors ! is a common French exclamation used to express surprise. It can range from pleasant astonishment to mild shock, and the exact feeling behind it depends heavily on tone of voice and context. Meaning Word for word, ça means “that” and alors means “then” or “so”, giving a literal translation along the lines…
De la sorte is a French adverbial phrase meaning “in this way,” “in that way,” “thus,” or “in such a manner.” It is used to refer to a manner, method or situation that has just been mentioned or that is understood from context. It is a phrase, not a single word, and it functions as…
The French expression l’air de rien literally means “the air of nothing” or “the look of nothing.” In practice, it describes doing something in a casual, offhand, or seemingly indifferent way, while often achieving a real effect underneath. It carries a sense of quiet purpose hidden behind a relaxed exterior. A close cousin is mine…
Ça a été is a common French phrase that can mean “it was,” “it went,” or “it was okay.” Its exact meaning comes from the context and tone of voice. It is often used to ask about a past event, give a short report, or say that something was acceptable. The basic meaning The phrase…
