chaque mot
The English phrase 'every word' is translated into French as chaque mot.
Which one should you use?
chaque mot emphasizes each individual word one by one, whereas tous les mots refers to the entire collection of words as a single group (all the words).
How does it change in a sentence?
The determiner chaque means 'each' or 'every'. It is invariable and does not change based on the gender of the noun it modifies. However, chaque must always be followed by a singular noun, even when the English equivalent might imply a plural sense of 'all the words'.
Did you know?
- The word mot comes from the Late Latin muttum, which was an onomatopoeia for a muttering sound.
- While English uses 'word' to mean both a unit of language and a spoken speech, French distinguishes between mot, which is a single unit, and parole, which refers to the act of speaking or speech itself.
Examples in context
- J'ai entendu chaque mot.I heard every word.This example shows the use of chaque mot.Tatoeba #3671109 by sacredceltic, translation #2360733 by CK
- Chaque mot est significatif.Every word is significant.This example uses chaque mot.Tatoeba #3671115 by sacredceltic, translation #3309203 by CK
- Il croit chaque mot que je dis.He believes every word I say.Tatoeba #8481126 by Aiji, translation #2690508 by AlanF_US
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is asking a teacher about a poem.
- LucasEst-ce que je dois comprendre chaque mot ?Do I have to understand every word?
- ChloéOui, chaque mot de ce poème est important.Yes, every word of this poem is important.
- LucasC'est un peu difficile pour moi.It is a bit difficult for me.
- ChloéNe t'inquiète pas, Lucas, tu vas y arriver.Don't worry, Lucas, you will get there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaque, mot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
