de A à Z
The French phrase for 'a to z' is de A à Z.
The phrase de A à Z is used idiomatically to mean 'completely', 'thoroughly' or 'from start to finish', functioning similarly to the English expression.
Meaning: Alphabetical order (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of de (from), A (the letter A), à (to) and Z (the letter Z).
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the letters A and Z are treated as nouns and do not require an article between the prepositions de and à.
Did you know?
- The preposition à in the phrase is a historical linguistic hybrid, having merged the Latin prepositions 'ad' and 'ab' into one single word.
- If you want to say you searched a house 'from top to bottom', instead of using the alphabet, you would use the phrase de fond en comble.
- The concept of learning the alphabet from A to Z is encapsulated in the specific French word abécédaire, used for primers.
Examples in context
- John connaît l'histoire anglaise de A à Z.John knows English history from A to Z.This sentence shows how to use de A à Z to describe having complete knowledge of a subject.Tatoeba #11810 by Lulantis, translation #52638 by Dejo
- Les dossiers sont classés de A à Z.The files are sorted from A to Z.
- J'ai rangé mes livres de A à Z.I organized my books from A to Z.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are organizing a small library.
- HugoEst-ce que tu as fini de ranger les livres ?Have you finished tidying the books?
- ChloéOui, je les ai classés de A à Z.Yes, I sorted them from A to Z.
- HugoC'est parfait, merci beaucoup Chloé.That's perfect, thank you very much Chloé.
- ChloéDe rien, Hugo.You're welcome, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, de, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
