sur quelque chose
The English phrase "about something" is translated into French as sur quelque chose.
What does it mean word for word?
The preposition sur literally means "on", but in many contexts, it is used to mean "about".
Which one should you use?
While sur is used for topics, such as a book being about a subject, the phrase à propos de is often used to mean "concerning" or "with regard to" a specific matter or event.
Did you know?
- The word sur is a homograph with two completely different histories. While it can mean 'on' or 'about', it also means 'sour' and comes from a Germanic root, rather than the Latin 'super'.
- In French, using sur for 'about' reflects a conceptual metaphor where a topic is viewed as a surface that a conversation rests upon.
- While sur is used for general topics, French speakers use à propos de to signal a transition to a new subject in conversation, similar to saying 'speaking of which'.
Examples in context
- En ce qui concerne votre demande de remboursement, veuillez contacter notre service clientèle.Regarding your refund request, please contact our customer service.
- Au sujet de notre prochaine réunion, nous vous ferons parvenir l'ordre du jour très prochainement.Regarding our upcoming meeting, we will send you the agenda very soon.
- Pour ce qui est des vacances, j'envisage de partir en Italie cette année.As for holidays, I'm considering going to Italy this year.
- En parlant de cinéma, j'ai vu un excellent film hier soir.Speaking of movies, I watched an excellent film last night.
- Elle écrit sur quelque chose.She is writing about something.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing a project at work.
- NathanChloé, je dois t'interroger sur quelque chose.Chloé, I need to ask you about something.
- ChloéOui Nathan, je t'écoute. De quoi s'agit-il ?Yes Nathan, I'm listening. What is it about?
- NathanC'est sur quelque chose que nous avons vu hier.It's about something we saw yesterday.
- ChloéJe vois, explique-moi tout.I see, tell me everything.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chose, quelque, sur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
