chapeau
/ʃa.po/
The English phrase "hats off" can be translated into French using chapeau. Wiktionary also lists chapeau bas.
Meaning: used to express approval or praise (intj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| chapeau | /ʃa.po/ |
| chapeau bas | /ʃa.po ba/ /ʃa.po bɑ/ |
French speakers use chapeau as an interjection to express admiration, praise or to say "well done".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase chapeau bas literally means "low hat", which refers to the physical act of tipping or lowering one's hat as a sign of respect.
Which one should you use?
While chapeau is a common and slightly more colloquial way to express praise, chapeau bas is a more formal expression that carries a stronger sense of profound respect or deference.
How does it change in a sentence?
To direct your praise toward a specific person, use the construction Chapeau à followed by the person or a pronoun, such as Chapeau à lui !
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃa.po/
Did you know?
- The word chapeau shares an ancient DNA with the English word 'head'. This is because they both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'head', specifically the Latin 'caput'.
- While chapeau is used for praise, French speakers also use the word chapeau to describe the 'crown' of a mushroom in cooking and botany.
- The gesture of tipping a hat is so deeply linked to the phrase that saying chapeau can sometimes be accompanied by a slight nod of the head, even if the speaker is not wearing a hat.
Examples in context
- Chapeau à lui !Hats off to him!This example shows how to direct the praise toward a specific person using chapeau.Tatoeba #1507843 by MrShoval, translation #5738595 by Theocracy
- Respect pour ton talent de danseur !Respect for your dancing skills! / Hats off for your dancing skills!
- Un coup de chapeau pour ton dévouement envers ce projet !A tip of the hat for your dedication to this project! / Hats off for your dedication to this project!
- Chapeau l'artiste pour cette magnifique peinture !Hats off to the artist for this magnificent painting!
- Tu assures en tant que guitariste !You rock as a guitarist! / Hats off for your guitar skills!
- Chapeau pour ton courage !Hats off to your courage!
- Chapeau, tu as réussi l'examen !Hats off, you passed the exam!
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a successful project at work.
- ManonTu as fini ce projet en un jour ?You finished this project in one day?
- LucasOui, c'était un défi, mais c'est fait.Yes, it was a challenge, but it's done.
- ManonChapeau, Lucas, c'est impressionnant !Hats off, Lucas, it's impressive!
- LucasMerci Manon, c'est gentil.Thanks Manon, that's kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hats off” translations and entries chapeau, chapeau bas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bas, chapeau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
