Are you curious about how to say “dehors” in French? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to express “dehors” in the French language, without forgetting to mention any regional variations. We will also provide you with useful tips and plenty of examples to make sure you fully understand how to use this word in different contexts. So, let’s dive in and unravel the various ways to say “dehors” in French!
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Formal Ways to Say “Dehors” in French
When it comes to formal language, French offers several alternatives to express the concept of “dehors.” Here are some of the most commonly used options:
- A l’extérieur – This phrase translates to “outside” or “outdoors” and is ideal for formal situations. For example, you could say, “Il fait beau à l’extérieur” (It’s nice outside).
- Au dehors – This expression is a bit more formal and directly translates to “on the outside.” It can be used in various contexts, such as “Restez au dehors” (Stay outside).
- À l’extérieur du bâtiment – If you want to be even more specific and emphasize that something is happening outside a specific building, this phrase will come in handy. For instance, “L’événement aura lieu à l’extérieur du bâtiment” (The event will take place outside the building).
Informal Ways to Say “Dehors” in French
In informal settings, you can opt for more relaxed and casual expressions to convey the meaning of “dehors.” Here are some informal alternatives:
- Dehors – The most straightforward way to say “dehors” in French is, well, “dehors” itself. This term is commonly used in everyday conversations, such as “Viens jouer dehors” (Come play outside).
- Dehors, dehors! – To encourage someone to leave a place or hurry up, you can use this animated expression, which can be translated as “Out, out!” An example sentence would be “Dépêche-toi, dehors, dehors!” (Hurry up, out, out!).
- Au dehors – While “au dehors” was mentioned earlier as a formal option, it can also be used informally, especially when you want to emphasize a contrast between staying inside and going outside. For instance, you could say “C’est ennuyeux ici, allons au dehors” (It’s boring here, let’s go outside).
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions around the world, and with that comes some regional variations in expressing “dehors.” Here are a few examples:
À l’extérieur – Quebec French often uses this formal expression to say “outside.” It is widely understood across French-speaking communities.
Dehors, dedans – In some regions of France, particularly in the north, it is not uncommon to use “dehors” in combination with “dedans” (inside) to clearly distinguish between the two. For example, you may hear someone say “Viens ici, dedans ou dehors!” (Come here, inside or outside!).
Tips for Using “Dehors” in French
To master the usage of “dehors” in French, consider the following tips:
- Pay attention to verb agreements – In French, the word “dehors” is invariable, meaning it doesn’t change whether it refers to a singular or plural subject. For example, “Ils sont tous dehors” (They are all outside) and “Il est dehors” (He is outside).
- Context matters – As with any language, the context will help determine the appropriate meaning of “dehors.” Pay attention to the overall message, gestures, and body language to fully grasp the intended sense.
- Practice pronunciation – Pronouncing “dehors” correctly is essential for conveying your message accurately. Be mindful of the silent “-s” at the end, which means you will pronounce it as “deh-or” with a slight pause between the two syllables.
Examples of “Dehors” in Context
To further illustrate the usage of “dehors” in French, here are some practical examples:
- Informal: “J’adore passer du temps dehors avec mes amis” (I love spending time outside with my friends).
- Formal: “Il est interdit de fumer à l’extérieur du bâtiment” (Smoking is prohibited outside the building).
- Regional Variation: “Viens ici, dedans ou dehors!” (Come here, inside or outside!).
Now you have a comprehensive understanding of the different ways to say “dehors” in French, both formally and informally. Remember these expressions, practice their pronunciation, and pay attention to the context. Soon enough, you will confidently incorporate them into your French conversations! Bonne chance (Good luck)!
