dans les coulisses
The English phrase "behind the scenes" can be translated into French as dans les coulisses. If unsure, use dans les coulisses. Wiktionary also lists en coulisse and de l'autre côté du décor.
Meaning: in secret, out of public view (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| dans les coulisses | |
| en coulisse | /ɑ̃ ku.lis/ |
| de l'autre côté du décor |
These phrases are used to describe things happening in secret or out of public view.
What does it mean word for word?
The term coulisses literally refers to the wings or the side areas of a theater stage.
Which one should you use?
The singular form en coulisse is often used as an adverbial phrase to describe the manner of an action being done secretly or out of view. While en coulisse focuses on the manner (secretly), dans les coulisses often emphasizes the physical or metaphorical location of the activity. The phrase de l'autre côté du décor is a more metaphorical way to say 'behind the scenes', implying what is hidden behind the public facade.
Did you know?
- The word côté is a relative of the English word 'cost', as both trace back to the Latin costātus referring to the ribs or the side of the body.
- In French, the phrase dans les coulisses can be used to describe political maneuvering and the 'dark arts' of power, mirroring the English use of 'backroom deals'.
- While English uses 'scenes' for both the action and the location, the French coulisse specifically refers to the narrow side-spaces used for movement, not the general backstage area.
Examples in context
- Ils travaillent en coulisses.They're working behind the scenes.This sentence shows how to use en coulisse to describe working in a hidden manner.Tatoeba #14045033 by Myrano_, translation #11193432 by sundown
- Qui tire les ficelles en coulisses ?Who's pulling the strings behind the scenes?This sentence uses en coulisse to describe the manner in which someone is pulling strings.Tatoeba #12461416 by lbdx, translation #241501 by CK
- Je préfère travailler dans les coulisses.I prefer working behind the scenes.This sentence uses dans les coulisses to emphasize the location of the work.Tatoeba #7982977 by Aiji, translation #7116895 by CM
- Les préparatifs en coulisses étaient intenses avant l'ouverture du spectacle.The behind the scenes preparations were intense before the show opening.
- Ces informations sont généralement cachées en coulisses.This information is usually hidden behind the scenes.
- Le présentateur nous a dévoilé certains secrets en off.The presenter revealed some secrets behind the scenes.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing a film production.
- HugoOn prépare tout dans les coulisses.We are preparing everything behind the scenes.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est très stressant ?Is it very stressful?
- HugoOui, mais c'est passionnant pour moi.Yes, but it is exciting for me.
- EmmaJe comprends, Hugo.I understand, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “behind the scenes” translations and entries en coulisse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coulisse, côté, dans, de, du, décor, en, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
