In French, expressing the concept of “aside from” can be done in several ways depending on the context and level of formality. Whether you are having a formal conversation or a casual chat, it’s important to know the appropriate expressions. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to convey “aside from” in French, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Expressions:
Formal language is typically used in professional settings and when speaking to someone you’re not familiar with. Here are some formal ways to say “aside from” in French:
1. Mis à part
One common expression used in formal French is “mis à part,” which translates directly to “aside from” or “other than.” It is versatile and can be used in various contexts.
Example: Mis à part le problème de logistique, le projet est bien conçu. (Aside from the logistical issue, the project is well-designed.)
2. Hormis
“Hormis” is another formal expression meaning “aside from” or “except for.” It is generally used when there’s a specific exception to be mentioned.
Example: Hormis cette occasion spéciale, nous ne faisons pas d’exceptions. (Aside from this special occasion, we do not make exceptions.)
3. Sauf
“Sauf” is a formal way to say “except for.” It is typically used to indicate exclusion or when something or someone is excluded from a general statement.
Example: Sauf son frère, tous étaient présents à la réunion. (Everyone was present at the meeting, except for his brother.)
Informal Expressions:
Informal language is commonly used in everyday conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances. Here are a few informal ways to say “aside from” in French:
1. À part ça
A widely used informal expression for “aside from” is “à part ça.” This phrase is particularly useful when discussing an unrelated topic or changing the subject.
Example: J’ai passé une excellente journée. À part ça, as-tu vu le dernier film français ? (I had a great day. Aside from that, have you seen the latest French movie?)
2. Sinon
“Sinon” is a versatile informal expression that can translate to “otherwise” or “apart from.” It can be used to introduce an alternative option or to discuss something unrelated.
Example: Je veux rester à la maison aujourd’hui. Sinon, on peut aller au parc demain. (I want to stay home today. Otherwise, we can go to the park tomorrow.)
3. En dehors de
“En dehors de” is a bit more formal than the previous expressions but can also be used in informal conversations. It is often used when referring to activities or topics outside the main conversation.
Example: En dehors de nos cours, que fais-tu pour te détendre ? (Aside from our classes, what do you do to relax?)
Regional Variations:
French is spoken in various regions around the world, and sometimes there are slight variations in expressions. However, when it comes to the phrase “aside from,” the formal and informal expressions discussed earlier are universal and understood across Francophone countries and regions.
Tips for Using “Aside From” in French:
Here are some additional tips to make your usage of “aside from” in French more natural and accurate:
- Pay attention to the context and select the appropriate expression.
- Consider the level of formality required for the situation.
- Practice using these expressions in everyday conversations to become more comfortable with them.
- Read books or articles in French to familiarize yourself with different expressions and their usage.
- Watch movies or listen to podcasts in French to expose yourself to various language styles.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; language learning is a journey, and errors are part of the process.
With these tips and expressions in mind, you can confidently use “aside from” in your French conversations!
