Are you looking to expand your French vocabulary and wondering how to say “chasing” in this beautiful language? Look no further! In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing this word in French. We’ll also provide helpful tips, examples, and even delve into regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Expressions for “Chasing” in French
When it comes to formal situations, you might want to use more polite and sophisticated alternatives for the word “chasing.” Here are a few expressions to consider:
1. Poursuivre
The most common formal translation of “chasing” is the verb “poursuivre.” It carries the connotation of actively pursuing someone or something. Here’s an example:
La police poursuit le voleur dans les rues de Paris.
(The police are chasing the thief through the streets of Paris.)
2. Traquer
Another formal term that can be used to convey the idea of “chasing” is “traquer.” It often implies a determined pursuit, especially in the context of hunting or tracking. Consider the following example:
Ils traquent les criminels à travers l’Europe.
(They are chasing criminals across Europe.)
Informal Expressions for “Chasing” in French
If you want to express the concept of “chasing” in a more relaxed or colloquial manner, these informal options might suit your needs:
1. Courir après
A very common and informal expression for “chasing” in French is “courir après.” It literally translates to “running after.” Here’s an example:
Mon chien court après les écureuils dans le parc.
(My dog is chasing squirrels in the park.)
2. Filmer en cachette
If you’re specifically referring to chasing someone or something with a camera, “filmer en cachette” is a suitable phrase. It means “filming secretly” or “filming on the sly.” Take a look at this example:
Il aime filmer en cachette les animaux dans leur environnement naturel.
(He enjoys secretly filming animals in their natural habitat.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken not only in France but also in various countries across the world. While the expressions mentioned above are generally understood throughout the French-speaking world, there might be some regional variations:
Canadian French
In Canadian French, you might come across the term “poursuivre” being replaced by “chasser” when referring to chasing someone or something:
La police chasse le suspect dans le centre-ville.
(The police are chasing the suspect downtown.)
Swiss French
Swiss French also exhibits certain regional variations. Instead of “traquer” or “poursuivre”, you might hear “pister” being used to convey the idea of chasing:
Les détectives privés pistent les fugitifs à travers les montagnes suisses.
(Private detectives are chasing fugitives through the Swiss mountains.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re now equipped with a variety of expressions for the word “chasing” in French. Whether you need to express this idea formally or informally, you can confidently choose between these alternatives. Remember to adapt your choice based on the context and the region where French is being spoken. Practice using these expressions to become more fluent and comfortable in your French conversations. Bonne chance!
