Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| partout | /paʁ.tu/ |
| à tous les coins de rue | /a tu le kwɛ̃ d(ə) ʁy/ |
The primary way to express that something is occurring at all places is by using the adverb partout. You may also use the phrase de tous côtés to mean 'from all sides', which is often used to convey the same general idea of 'everywhere'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word partout is a contraction of the preposition par (meaning 'by' or 'through') and the word tout (meaning 'all').
Which one should you use?
While partout is the standard term, you can use the idiomatic and hyperbolic phrase à tous les coins de rue to mean 'on every street corner'. This is used when you want to emphasize that something is seen or happening everywhere in a more colorful, colloquial way.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, partout is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to agree with a noun or a subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/paʁ.tu/
Did you know?
- The word rue, used in the idiom à tous les coins de rue, originally comes from the Latin word ruga, which means 'a wrinkle'.
- While English uses a single word for 'everywhere', Spanish uses the phrase por todas partes, which mirrors the structural logic of partout.
Examples in context
- Tom fait ça partout.Tom does that everywhere.This sentence shows how to use partout to describe an action performed in all places.Tatoeba #13399589 by Rovo, translation #6272276 by CK
- On a regardé partout.We've looked everywhere.This sentence demonstrates using partout to describe a search conducted everywhere.Tatoeba #11617547 by Aiji, translation #3501978 by CK
- Tu peux aller partout.You can go everywhere.This sentence illustrates the ability to travel to all places using partout.Tatoeba #844102 by sacredceltic, translation #1214858 by eadbannon
- Les touristes sont partout dans cette villeThe tourists are everywhere in this city
- Les rumeurs se répandent en tous lieuxThe rumors spread everywhere
- Les manifestants arrivaient de tous côtésThe protesters were coming from everywhere
- 155 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are searching for a lost key in the apartment.
- LucasJ'ai cherché partout !I looked everywhere!
- EmmaRegarde bien sous le canapé.Look carefully under the sofa.
- LucasJe ne la vois toujours pas.I still don't see it.
- EmmaElle est peut-être dans la cuisine.Maybe it is in the kitchen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “everywhere” translations and entries partout, à tous les coins de rue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, les, partout, rue, tous, à, à tous les coins de rue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
