absolument rien
The English phrase "absolutely nothing" is translated into French as absolument rien.
This phrase is used to emphasize that there is not a single thing or no amount of something at all.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb absolument (absolutely) and the pronoun rien (nothing).
How does it change in a sentence?
In a standard declarative sentence, the pronoun rien requires the partitive negation particle ne (often written as n') before the verb to be grammatically correct, as seen in the form n'est absolument rien.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to include the ne in sentences like Je ne sais absolument rien (I know absolutely nothing), though it is frequently dropped in casual spoken French.
Did you know?
- The word rien comes from the Latin word 'rem', which actually meant 'thing'. Over time, the phrase 'not a thing' evolved into a single word meaning 'nothing'.
- In casual conversation, French speakers often replace absolument rien with que dalle, a slang term that implies not just 'nothing', but 'absolutely zero' in a blunt or frustrated tone.
- While absolument rien is a direct translation, French speakers often use the phrase pas un iota (not an iota) to express that absolutely nothing of a specific detail exists.
Examples in context
- On a vu cette situation embarrassante, mais personne n'a rien dit.We witnessed that embarrassing situation, but nobody said anything.
- Il n'y a absolument rien à faire.There is absolutely nothing to do.
- Je n'ai absolument rien dans mon sac.I have absolutely nothing in my bag.
- Il ne se passe absolument rien ici.Absolutely nothing is happening here.
- Elle ne comprend absolument rien à ce film.She understands absolutely nothing about this movie.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at an empty fridge in the kitchen.
- LucasQu'est-ce qu'il y a à manger ?What is there to eat?
- LéaIl n'y a absolument rien pour le dîner.There is absolutely nothing for dinner.
- LucasC'est incroyable, le frigo est vide.It's unbelievable, the fridge is empty.
- LéaJe dois aller faire des courses.I have to go grocery shopping.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries absolument, rien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
