Whether you are learning French for travel, work, or personal reasons, it’s important to have a good grasp of conversational phrases and expressions. One such expression commonly used in English is “anyways.” In this guide, we will explore the various ways to express “anyways” in French, including both formal and informal alternatives. We’ll also provide some regional variations when necessary, along with useful tips and examples to help you understand their usage. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Anyways” in French
When engaging in formal conversation or writing, it’s essential to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal alternatives to express “anyways” in French:
- En tout cas: This phrase translates to “in any case” and can be used as a formal alternative to “anyways” in French. It is commonly used in both spoken and written French. For example:
“Je ne suis pas d’accord avec toi, mais en tout cas, merci pour ton opinion.”
(I don’t agree with you, but anyways, thank you for your opinion.) - Quoi qu’il en soit: Meaning “whatever the case may be” or “no matter what,” this formal phrase can be used similarly to “anyways” to redirect a conversation or emphasize a point. For example:
“Nous devons avancer avec le projet, quoi qu’il en soit.”
(We need to move forward with the project, anyways.)
Informal Ways to Say “Anyways” in French
In informal conversations or when speaking with friends, the language tends to be more relaxed. Here are a couple of informal ways to express “anyways” in French:
- Bref: Translating to “anyway,” “bref” is a commonly used informal expression in France. It is versatile and can be used in various situations. For example:
“Je lui ai dit que je n’étais pas intéressé. Bref, j’ai parlé avec quelqu’un d’autre.”
(I told him that I wasn’t interested. Anyways, I talked to someone else.) - Enfin bref: This informal phrase translates to “anyway” or “anyways” and is similar to “bref” but adds a sense of finality or conclusion to the conversation. For example:
“Enfin bref, on a décidé de partir en vacances tous ensemble.”
(Anyways, we decided to go on vacation together.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, and although the main expressions for “anyways” mentioned above are widely used, there might be slight regional variations. Here are a couple of examples:
- Bref, ça dit: This expression, commonly heard in Canadian French, can be used in informal settings. It is a blend of the word “bref” (anyway) and “ça dit” (it says). For example:
“J’ai pensé à essayer ce nouveau restaurant. Bref, ça dit?”
(I thought about trying this new restaurant. Anyways, what do you think?) - En fin de compte: Used in some regions as an informal expression, “en fin de compte” can be translated to “ultimately.” It is a more formal alternative to “anyways” and is often used to conclude or summarize a discussion. For example:
“On a hésité entre rester ou partir. En fin de compte, on a décidé de rentrer à la maison.”
(We hesitated between staying or leaving. Anyways, we decided to go back home.)
Tips for Using “Anyways” in French
To ensure you use the expressions appropriately, here are some tips for using the French equivalents of “anyways”:
- Avoid excessive usage: While it’s important to know alternatives to “anyways,” it’s always best to vary your vocabulary to keep conversations engaging.
- Consider the context: The appropriate phrase to use may vary depending on the context of the conversation. Make sure to choose an expression that fits the situation.
- Practice pronunciation: Listen to native speakers or use pronunciation guides to ensure you pronounce the phrases correctly. This will help you sound more natural when conversing in French.
- Pay attention to regional variations: If you’re visiting or interacting with people from specific regions, be aware of any local expressions or variations they may use for “anyways.”
Learning these alternatives to “anyways” in French will not only expand your vocabulary but also make your conversations more engaging and natural. Remember to practice using these phrases in various contexts to become more comfortable with their application. Bonne chance!
