absolument pas
absolument pas is the French way to say absolutely not.
absolument pas is used as a strong way to say no or to express complete disagreement with a statement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb absolument (absolutely) and the negation pas (not).
Which one should you use?
While absolument pas expresses strong disagreement with a proposition, pas du tout is more commonly used to mean 'not at all' when responding to a degree or intensity.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to negate a verb in a standard sentence, absolument pas is typically placed after the conjugated verb and the negation particle ne.
Did you know?
- The word pas is a cognate of the English word 'pace'. Both derive from the Latin word passus meaning a step.
- The word absolument shares the same root as the English word 'absolute'. Both come from the Latin absolvere, meaning to loosen or set free.
- In casual spoken French, the first part of the negation ne is almost always dropped. You will often hear absolument pas instead of ne… absolument pas.
Examples in context
- Non ! Absolument pas !No! Absolutely not!This sentence shows how to use absolument pas as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #7839008 by sacredceltic, translation #4844480 by Ishao
- Il n'y est absolument pas.He is absolutely not there.This sentence demonstrates the placement of absolument pas to negate a verb.Tatoeba #12651407 by anzart, translation #12651410 by anzart
- La vie n'est absolument pas parfaite.Life is absolutely not perfect.This sentence shows how to use absolument pas to negate an adjective within a sentence.Tatoeba #12587242 by LoverofEnglish, translation #12857904 by menaud
- Est-ce que je peux emprunter ta voiture ? – Absolument pas .Can I borrow your car? – Absolutely not.
- Accepteriez-vous de travailler gratuitement ? – Certainement pas .Would you be willing to work for free? – Absolutely not.
- Tu penses que je devrais mentir ? – Pas du tout .Do you think I should lie? – Absolutely not.
- Tu veux aller travailler le week-end ? – Sûrement pas .Do you want to work on the weekend? – Absolutely not.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing whether to go to a party tonight.
- LucasTu veux aller à cette fête ?Do you want to go to this party?
- EmmaAbsolument pas, je suis trop fatiguée.Absolutely not, I am too tired.
- LucasMais on va bien s'amuser !But we are going to have so much fun!
- EmmaNon, je préfère rester ici.No, I prefer to stay here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
