Meaning

At its core, “discuter” means “to discuss” in English. However, its usage is not limited to just one type of conversation. Depending on the context, it can encompass a range of meanings such as “to talk,” “to debate,” “to argue,” “to negotiate,” and even “to chat.”

Usage with Prepositions

1. “Discuter avec”: When you want to discuss or have a conversation with someone, you typically use “discuter avec.” For example:

• Je vais discuter avec mon ami (I am going to talk to my friend).

1. “Discuter de”: This construction is used when discussing a specific topic or subject. For instance:

• Nous devons discuter de ce projet (We need to discuss this project).
• Ils discutent de politique (They are discussing politics).

1. “Discuter un sujet” or “Discuter une question”: In some cases, you can directly follow “discuter” with a noun, particularly if the context is clear. For example:

• Ils discutent la proposition (They are discussing the proposal).
• Nous avons discuté la question (We discussed the issue).

Examples of “Discuter” in Action

1. Les experts discutent du changement climatique depuis des décennies (Experts have been discussing climate change for decades).
2. Nous devons discuter avec le chef de projet demain (We need to talk to the project manager tomorrow).
3. Elle a discuté longuement avec son professeur sur son projet de recherche (She had a lengthy discussion with her professor about her research project).
4. Ils discutent amicalement de leurs voyages autour du monde (They are chatting amicably about their world travels).
5. La réunion a été l’occasion de discuter les préoccupations des employés (The meeting provided an opportunity to address employees’ concerns).

Etymology of “Discuter”

The verb “discuter” has an intriguing etymology that traces back to its Old French and Latin roots. In Old French, it appeared as “discuter,” with meanings closer to “to divide” or “to separate.” This Old French term derived from Latin, where “discutere” meant “to dash to pieces” or “to disperse.”

The Latin word “discutere” was a combination of “dis-” (apart) and “quatere” (to shake). This concept of shaking things apart or dispersing them evolved into the modern French “discuter,” encompassing the various meanings we see today.

Idioms that use discuter

French is a language rich in idiomatic expressions, and “discuter” is no exception. While “discuter” directly translates to “to discuss” or “to talk” in English, it’s often used in various idiomatic expressions that convey more nuanced meanings. Here are a few idiomatic expressions that feature “discuter”:

• “Discuter à bâtons rompus”:

• Meaning: To have an informal, casual conversation.
• Usage: This expression is used when you’re having a relaxed and unstructured conversation, often with no specific agenda or topic.

1. “Discuter ferme”:

• Meaning: To argue or debate passionately.
• Usage: When people are engaged in a heated or intense discussion, especially one where they strongly disagree, you can say they are “discuter ferme.”

• “Discuter sec”:

• Meaning: To argue or discuss in a harsh or blunt manner.
• Usage: This expression is used when a conversation or argument becomes less civil or polite, and the participants start using harsh language or tone.

• “Discuter autour du pot”:

• Meaning: To beat around the bush or avoid addressing the main issue.
• Usage: When someone avoids getting to the point in a discussion or doesn’t directly address the main topic, you can say they are “discuter autour du pot.”

• “Ne pas discuter”:

• Meaning: To be beyond discussion or unquestionable.
• Usage: When something is considered unquestionable or indisputable, you can say it is “ne pas discuter.” For example, “La sécurité des passagers ne se discute pas” (Passenger safety is beyond discussion).

• “Discuter des chiffres”:

• Meaning: To haggle or negotiate over prices.
• Usage: When discussing prices or trying to reach an agreement in a business transaction, you might use this expression to refer to the act of bargaining.

• “Discuter à cœur ouvert”:

• Meaning: To have a heart-to-heart conversation or share one’s feelings openly.
• Usage: This expression is used when people engage in a sincere and open discussion about their thoughts and emotions.

• “Discuter en connaissance de cause”:

• Meaning: To discuss or argue with full knowledge or expertise on the subject.
• Usage: When someone is well-informed and speaks with authority or expertise on a particular topic, you can say they are “discuter en connaissance de cause.”

Se discuter

The reflexive verb “se discuter” is a more specialized and somewhat less common form of the verb “discuter” in French. It carries a distinct meaning and usage compared to its non-reflexive counterpart.

Meaning: “Se discuter” essentially means “to be discussed” or “to be up for discussion.” It is often used when there is uncertainty or debate surrounding a particular topic or issue. This reflexive construction places emphasis on the subject or topic being discussed rather than the action of discussing itself.

Usage:

1. Indicating Controversy or Debate: “Se discuter” is used when there is a debate or controversy surrounding a subject or when people are uncertain about a particular matter. For instance:
   • Ce point se discute encore parmi les experts (This point is still being discussed among experts).
   • La question de la réforme se discute depuis des mois (The reform issue has been under discussion for months).
   • Ça se discute (that’s debatable).
2. Emphasizing the Subject Matter: This reflexive form highlights that the subject under discussion is a significant or complex one. It can suggest that the topic is not easily resolved or that there are differing opinions on it.
3. Typically Followed by “entre” or “parmi”: When using “se discuter,” it’s common to follow it with prepositions like “entre” (among) or “parmi” (amongst) to indicate who or what is involved in the discussion. For example:
   • Le sort de cette proposition se discute entre les membres du conseil (The fate of this proposal is being discussed among the council members).