Gaining knowledge of different languages is an incredible skill that not only broadens your horizons but also allows you to connect with people from various cultures. If you’re learning French, being able to express the idea of being “at school” is essential. Whether you want to know how to say it formally or informally, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary vocabulary and phrases. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways of Saying “At School” in French
When you need to refer to being “at school” in a formal context, such as in a professional or academic setting, you have a few options. Here are some common phrases:
1. “À l’école”
Using the preposition “à” (meaning “at” or “to”) followed by the definite article “l'” (used before a singular noun starting with a vowel), you can say “à l’école” to mean “at school” in a general sense. For example:
Je suis à l’école. (I am at school.)
2. “Au collège”
If you specifically want to refer to being “at school” in the context of a middle school or junior high, you can use the phrase “au collège.” Here’s an example:
Elle étudie au collège. (She studies at school.)
3. “Au lycée”
Similarly, when referring to being “at school” in the context of a high school, you can use the phrase “au lycée.” Take a look at this example:
Il est au lycée. (He is at school.)
Informal Ways of Saying “At School” in French
When talking with friends or in casual situations, you can use different phrases to express being “at school” informally. Here are some options:
1. “À l’école”
Just as in the formal context, “à l’école” can be used to mean “at school” informally. Here’s an example:
On se retrouve à l’école. (Let’s meet up at school.)
2. “Au collège”
The phrase “au collège” can also be used informally to refer to being “at school” in a middle school or junior high context. Here’s an example:
Je vais au collège demain. (I’m going to school tomorrow.)
3. “Au lycée”
Similarly, when informally talking about being “at school” in a high school context, you can use “au lycée.” For example:
On se voit au lycée ce soir. (See you at school tonight.)
Tips and Examples
Now that you know the formal and informal ways of saying “at school” in French, here are some additional tips and examples to help you use them with confidence:
Tips:
- When using these phrases, remember to match the gender and number of the verb and any accompanying adjectives to the noun (e.g., use “à l’école” when the school is singular, and “aux écoles” for plural schools).
- If you want to specify a particular school, replace the general “l’école” with the specific school name. For instance, “Je suis à l’école Victor Hugo” (I am at Victor Hugo School) or “On se retrouve à mon école” (Let’s meet up at my school).
- Pay attention to the context when choosing between the formal and informal options. In professional or academic environments, it’s usually more appropriate to use the formal expressions.
Examples:
- Mon frère étudie au lycée Louis XIV. (My brother studies at Louis XIV High School.)
- Nous avons rendez-vous à l’école demain matin. (We have a meeting at school tomorrow morning.)
- Les enfants jouent au collège près de chez moi. (The children play at the middle school near my house.)
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to say “at school” in both formal and informal ways, you can confidently express yourself in various French-speaking environments. Practice using these phrases and expand your language skills at the same time. Bonne chance!
