Bonjour! Looking to expand your French vocabulary and learn how to say “going on” in different contexts? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express the concept of “going on” in French. Additionally, we’ll touch on any regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Going On”
When speaking formally in French, you’ll need to use appropriate language and expressions. Here are a few options to convey the idea of “going on” in formal settings:
1.1 “Se Dérouler”
“Se dérouler” is a commonly used verb to express the concept of “going on” in French. It’s a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts. For example:
- La conférence se déroule demain. (The conference is going on tomorrow.)
- Le spectacle se déroule dans le théâtre. (The show is going on in the theater.)
1.2 “Avoir Lieu”
“Avoir lieu” is another commonly used phrase that translates to “to take place.” It can be used to express the idea of something “going on.” Consider the following examples:
- La réunion a lieu demain matin. (The meeting is going on tomorrow morning.)
- Le festival a lieu chaque été. (The festival goes on every summer.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Going On”
Now, let’s explore some informal expressions that are often used to convey the concept of “going on” in everyday conversations:
2.1 “Se Passer”
In informal contexts, “se passer” is a commonly used reflexive verb to describe what’s “going on.” Here are a couple of examples:
- Qu’est-ce qui se passe ici ? (What’s going on here?)
- La fête se passe chez moi ce soir. (The party is going on at my place tonight.)
2.2 “Être En Cours”
“Être en cours” directly translates to “to be in progress” and can be utilized to describe what’s currently happening. Consider the following examples:
- La réunion est en cours. (The meeting is going on.)
- Le film est en cours de diffusion. (The movie is currently playing.)
3. Regional Variations
While the formal and informal expressions discussed above are widely used throughout the French-speaking world, it’s essential to note that there may be regional variations. For instance, in certain regions, “être en train de” is also used informally to convey the idea of “going on.” Here’s an example:
3.1 “Être En Train De”
Cette soirée, je suis en train d’aller au cinéma. (Tonight, I’m going to the movies.)
Remember, these regional variations may not be applicable everywhere, so it’s crucial to adapt to the specific region and context you find yourself in to ensure effective communication.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned several ways to say “going on” in French, both formally and informally, while also exploring any regional variations when relevant. Use the expressions we discussed to confidently express what’s happening in different contexts. Remember to adapt your vocabulary and expressions based on the formality of the situation and the specific region where you find yourself. Practice speaking, listen to native French speakers, and immerse yourself in the language to gain fluency over time. Joyeux apprentissage (Happy learning)!
