parce que c'est comme ça
In French, 'because I said so' is expressed as parce que c'est comme ça.
This phrase is used to end an argument by stating that a command must be followed without needing a reason. While the English phrase emphasizes the speaker's authority ('I said so'), the French phrase emphasizes the arbitrary nature of the situation ('it is just like that').
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase parce que c'est comme ça literally translates to 'because it is like that'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
parce que c'est comme ça is informal. It is commonly used by parents to end an argument with a child, carrying a dismissive and authoritative tone. An even more informal way to convey the sentiment of 'just accept it because I said so' is the expression Faut pas chercher à comprendre!, which means 'you shouldn't try to understand!'
Did you know?
- In French culture, the use of parce que c'est comme ça is often associated with the 'éducation traditionnelle' where the parent's will is absolute and not subject to negotiation.
- The word comme in this expression shares its roots with the Latin word 'quomodocumque', which means 'in whatever way' or 'how'.
- The word ça in the phrase is actually a shortened, 'lazy' version of the formal word cela.
Examples in context
- Parce que c'est comme ça, c'est tout! On ne discute pas.Because that's how it is, that's all! We don't argue.
- Tu dois ranger ta chambre, parce que c'est comme ça.You have to tidy your room, because I said so.
- On ne part pas maintenant, parce que c'est comme ça.We are not leaving now, because I said so.
Example conversation
A mother is refusing to let her son play video games.
- ManonLucas, éteins la console tout de suite.Lucas, turn off the console right now.
- LucasMais pourquoi ? J'ai presque fini !But why? I'm almost finished!
- ManonParce que c'est comme ça, et c'est mon dernier mot.Because I said so, and that is my final word.
- LucasC'est pas juste.That's not fair.
