What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of comment (how), dit (says), on (one/we), ceci (this) and en français (in French).
Which one should you use?
The form dit-on uses an impersonal on (one/we), which is more formal and grammatically standard than using vous in this specific construction. You can replace ceci (this) with cela (that) to refer to something slightly more distant or abstract, as seen in Comment dit-on cela en français ?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal approach, you can use Comment dit-on cela en français ? or Pourriez-vous me dire comment on dit cela en français ? In informal situations, you might use Comment tu dis ça en français ? or Tu sais comment on dit ça en français ? Using on dit ça instead of dit-on ceci is also much more common in casual, spoken French, such as in comment on dit ça en français ?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase en français is often omitted if it is already clear that you are asking for a French translation, such as in comment dit-on cela ?
Did you know?
- The word français comes from the 'Franks', a Germanic people who conquered Gaul. The word 'frank' originally meant 'free', which is why the name of the language is tied to a status of freedom.
- When asking for a translation, a French speaker might respond with on peut dire… ('one can say…'). This reflects a cultural tendency to view translation as a choice of multiple possibilities rather than a single correct answer.
Examples in context
- Comment dit-on le mot 'computer' en français ?How do you say the word 'computer' in French?
- Pourrais-je vous demander comment on dit 'hello' en français ?May I ask how one says 'hello' in French?
- Comment dit-on 'apple' en français ?How do you say 'apple' in French?
- Excusez-moi, comment dit-on ceci en français ?Excuse me, how do you say this in French?
Example conversation
Léa is showing Gabriel an object in a store.
- LéaGabriel, comment dit-on ceci en français ?Gabriel, how do you say this in French?
- GabrielOn dit "un parapluie".You say "an umbrella".
- LéaMerci beaucoup pour ton aide !Thank you very much for your help!
- GabrielDe rien, Léa !You're welcome, Léa!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ceci, comment, en, français, CC BY-SA 4.0.
