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/ |
Au fait is often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a sudden thought or question. Au passage is used informally to introduce a related topic briefly.
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 of phrase depends on your intent: use au fait when you suddenly remember something or want to change the subject to a new topic. Use à propos to transition to a topic that is relevant to the current conversation, whereas au fait is more for sudden shifts. Use d'ailleurs to add a point that reinforces what you just said, similar to "besides" or "moreover".
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.
How do you pronounce it?
/o fɛt/
Did you know?
- The phrase au fait uses the word fait, which means 'fact' or 'done', to express the idea of a sudden realization or a new topic of conversation.
- The expression au fait can be used as a noun in the phrase être au fait, meaning to be well-informed or 'up to speed' on a topic.
- The word passant in the phrase soit dit en passant is the same word used to describe a 'passerby' or someone walking past you on the street.
Examples in context
- Mais oui, au fait !But yes, by the way!This sentence shows an enthusiastic use of au fait.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 start a question.Tatoeba #15121 by sacredceltic, translation #38050 by Zifre
- Au fait, t'étais où ?By the way, where were you?Tatoeba #7771088 by Aiji, translation #4011464 by CK
- Nous avons parlé des finances de l'entreprise. Au fait, avez-vous reçu les rapports ?We talked about the company's finances. By the way, have you received the reports?
- J'ai beaucoup apprécié votre présentation. À propos, quand est-ce que vous prévoyez de publier votre étude ?I really enjoyed your presentation. By the way, when do you plan to publish your study?
- J'ai entendu dire qu'il y aura une fête à la plage ce week-end. Au passage, tu viens avec nous ?I heard there's a party at the beach this weekend. By the way, are you coming with us?
- On devrait prendre le bus pour aller en ville. Tiens, as-tu déjà pris le nouveau tramway ?We should take the bus to go downtown. By the way, have you already taken the new tram?
- J'ai adoré visiter Paris. Au fait, en parlant de voyages, as-tu déjà visité Rome ?I loved visiting Paris. By the way, speaking of trips, have you ever been to Rome?
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are walking in a park.
- NathanAu fait, tu as vu mon sac ?By the way, have you seen my bag?
- LéaNon, je ne l'ai pas vu, Nathan.No, I haven't seen it, Nathan.
- NathanC'est étrange, je l'avais ici.That's strange, I had it here.
- LéaRegarde sous le banc, peut-être.Look under the bench, maybe.
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.
