au-dessus
/o.d(ə).sy/
The English phrase 'above' is translated into French as au-dessus.
au-dessus is used to describe something that is in a higher position than something else, often without physical contact. It can also be used figuratively, such as being 'above suspicion'.
Meaning: over, on top of (prep)
Which one should you use?
While au-dessus indicates a higher position, it does not necessarily imply physical contact. If you want to express that something is on top of another object with contact, you should use sur instead.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using au-dessus as a preposition to indicate a position relative to a specific object, it must be followed by the preposition de. For example, you would say au-dessus de [object].
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of au-dessus is /o.d(ə).sy/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The phrase au-dessus is a phonetic twin to au-dessous, which means 'below'. The only difference in pronunciation is the vowel sound in the second half of the word.
- The phrase être au-dessus de tout goes beyond a spatial description. It is used to describe something that is the absolute priority or the most important thing in a person's life.
- The French word dessus comes from the Latin de and summus, meaning 'from the highest'. This relates the word 'above' directly to the concept of a summit or peak.
Examples in context
- Il est au-dessus de moi.He is above me.This sentence demonstrates the use of au-dessus to indicate a position above a person.Tatoeba #1148129 by sacredceltic, translation #1147992 by cntrational
- C'est juste au-dessus de toi.It's right above you.This sentence shows how to use au-dessus to describe a position relative to another person.Tatoeba #3640562 by sacredceltic, translation #3636218 by CK
- Ziri est au-dessus du soupçon.Ziri is above suspicion.This sentence illustrates the figurative use of the phrase to mean 'above suspicion'.Tatoeba #11958223 by Amastan, translation #10210298 by Amastan
- L'avion vole au-dessus des nuages.The plane is flying above the clouds.
- 91 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are looking for a book on a shelf.
- HugoOù est le livre de cuisine ?Where is the cookbook?
- EmmaIl est au-dessus du dictionnaire.It is above the dictionary.
- HugoJe ne le vois pas ici.I don't see it here.
- EmmaRegarde bien au-dessus, Hugo.Look carefully above, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry au-dessus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
