Gaining fluency in a foreign language is a wonderful experience, and understanding the nuances of expressions and idioms is a crucial aspect. One such phrase often used in English is “as you were,” which is commonly employed to request someone to return to their previous state or continue what they were doing. In French, there are a few different ways to convey this expression, depending on the level of formality and the situation. This guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say “as you were” in French, along with various helpful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say “As You Were” in French
Sometimes, formal situations call for a more esteemed style of speech. Here are some formal phrases to say “as you were” in French:
1. Revenez à vos occupations
This phrase can be directly translated as “return to your tasks” and works well in formal settings. For instance, if you find yourself in a professional environment, such as a business meeting or a conference, this expression suits the situation. It conveys a sense of professionalism while indicating the request to continue with the previous activities.
Example: Lorsque le directeur entra dans la salle de réunion, il ordonna à chacun de revenir à ses occupations.
Translation: When the manager entered the meeting room, he instructed everyone to resume their tasks.
2. Poursuivez
“Poursuivez” can be used as a formal way to mean “continue” or “carry on.” It suggests that the current activity should be continued without any interruption or alteration.
Example: Après l’interruption due à l’incident technique, le conférencier demanda à l’audience de poursuivre.
Translation: After the interruption caused by the technical issue, the speaker asked the audience to continue.
Informal Ways to Say “As You Were” in French
If you find yourself in casual or informal situations, such as chatting with friends or family, you can choose from the following expressions:
1. Reprends ce que tu faisais
This informal phrase can be translated as “resume what you were doing.” It can be used among friends, colleagues, or in a relaxed setting where a more casual language is appropriate.
Example: Pendant que tu joues à ton jeu vidéo, quelqu’un sonne à la porte, mais tu peux dire à ton ami de reprendre ce qu’il faisait.
Translation: While you are playing your video game and someone rings the doorbell, you can tell your friend to continue what they were doing.
2. Continue
In informal contexts, using the simple and straightforward word “continue” is also an acceptable way to convey the meaning of “as you were.”
Example: Lorsque la sonnerie de téléphone interrompt votre conversation, vous pouvez simplement dire “continue” pour indiquer à votre ami de continuer.
Translation: When the phone rings and interrupts your conversation, you can simply say “continue” to signal your friend to carry on.
Tips and Additional Examples
Here are a few tips and additional examples to help you better understand and use the phrase “as you were” in French:
– Non-Verbal Cues:
In addition to using the appropriate French expression, you can also employ non-verbal cues, such as hand gestures or body language, to convey “as you were.” However, it is essential to consider the context and the familiarity with the person you are communicating with.
– Maintain a Positive Tone:
Using a warm and positive tone while requesting someone to continue what they were doing contributes to maintaining a friendly and respectful atmosphere, regardless of the formality of the situation.
– Adjusting According to the Situation:
Remember that the manner in which you say “as you were” may depend on various factors, including the specific context, regional variations, and the level of formality required. Always be mindful of the situation and adapt your choice of phrase accordingly.
Example: Dans une réunion informelle avec des amis français, vous pourriez simplement dire “Continuez les discussions!” en utilisant l’expression familière “continuez.”
Translation: In an informal gathering with French friends, you could simply say “Continuez les discussions!” using the familiar expression “continuez.”
Conclusion
Mastering a foreign language not only involves understanding words and grammar but also includes learning common expressions and idioms. In French, expressing “as you were” can be done formally or informally, depending on the context and level of formality required. By familiarizing yourself with the phrases and examples provided in this guide, you will be well-equipped to use the appropriate French expressions to convey the idea of returning to a previous state or continuing with what was being done. Remember to adapt your choice of phrase based on the formality and regional variations, and always maintain a warm and positive tone in your interactions. Happy learning!
