Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| au fait | /o fɛt/ |
| soit dit en passant | /swa di.t‿ɑ̃ pa.sɑ̃/ |
| au passage | /o pa.saʒ/ |
| à propos | /a pʁɔ.po/ |
| d'ailleurs | /d‿a.jœʁ/ |
These phrases are used to express that something is being mentioned incidentally. Au fait is frequently used as an interjection at the beginning of a sentence to signal a sudden change in conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase soit dit en passant literally translates to "let it be said in passing".
Which one should you use?
The choice between these forms depends on how you are transitioning between topics. Use au fait when you want to abruptly change the subject or introduce a new thought. In contrast, à propos is used to transition to a topic that is directly related to what was just mentioned. While d'ailleurs is often translated as "by the way" in English, it is used to add information that supports a previous point, rather than to change the subject.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Soit dit en passant is a more formal or literary way to say "by the way" compared to au fait. In contrast, au passage is an informal way to say "by the way" in French.
How do you pronounce it?
/o fɛt/
Did you know?
- The phrase au fait can be used to describe someone who is 'up to date' on a specific subject, such as being au fait with the latest news.
- While au fait is used for 'by the way', it also means 'actually' or 'in fact' when used to correct someone's mistake.
- The word dit in soit dit en passant shares an ancient root with the English word 'dictate'.
Examples in context
- Mais oui, au fait !But yes, by the way!This sentence is useful for showing how to use au fait as an exclamation.Tatoeba #12255605 by sacredceltic, translation #12255638 by Miktsoanit
- Au fait, d'où es-tu ?By the way, where are you from?This sentence shows how to use au fait to introduce a question about someone's origin.Tatoeba #15121 by sacredceltic, translation #38050 by Zifre
- Au fait, t'étais où ?By the way, where were you?This sentence demonstrates using au fait to introduce a question about someone's whereabouts.Tatoeba #7771088 by Aiji, translation #4011464 by CK
- Au fait, j'ai entendu dire que la réunion a été annulée.By the way, I heard that the meeting has been canceled.
- En passant, je voudrais souligner l'importance de ce projet.By the way, I would like to emphasize the importance of this project.
- À propos, avons-nous discuté des détails du contrat ?By the way, have we discussed the details of the contract?
- Au passage, il faut que je te raconte ce qui m'est arrivé hier soir.By the way, I need to tell you what happened to me last night.
- Soit dit en passant, tu as entendu parler de la nouvelle série télévisée ?By the way, have you heard about the new TV series?
- Tiens, tu ne devineras jamais qui j'ai rencontré hier soir !By the way, you'll never guess who I met last night!
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are in their kitchen.
- GabrielAu fait, Chloé, as-tu fini ton livre ?By the way, Chloé, have you finished your book?
- ChloéOui, Gabriel, il était vraiment génial.Yes, Gabriel, it was really great.
- GabrielJe te l'avais dit !I told you so!
- ChloéTu avais raison, merci du conseil.You were right, thanks for the advice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by the way” translations and entries au fait, soit dit en passant, au passage, à propos, d'ailleurs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dit, en, passant, soit, soit dit en passant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
