en d'autres termes
/ɑ̃ d‿o.tʁə tɛʁm/
The phrase 'in other words' in French is translated as en d'autres termes.
A phrase used to introduce a simpler or different way of explaining the same idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of en (in), d'autres (other) and termes (terms).
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter autrement dit, which is a very common, slightly more concise synonym. For more formal contexts, dans d'autres termes can be used, whereas en clair serves as an informal alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
En d'autres termes is a slightly more formal or sophisticated way to rephrase an idea compared to more colloquial alternatives. For a formal tone, you can use dans d'autres termes, while en clair is an informal option.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase en d'autres termes, the word autres is plural to agree with the plural noun termes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃ d‿o.tʁə tɛʁm/
Did you know?
- The informal alternative en clair literally translates to 'in clear'. It is used when a speaker wants to strip away diplomacy or jargon to say exactly what is happening.
- Despite the similarity to the English 'in other words', the French phrase en d'autres termes shares a closer linguistic pattern with the Spanish en otras palabras and Italian in altre parole.
- While English uses 'words', French uses termes (terms) in this specific phrase. This suggests a focus on the precise terminology or the 'terms' of an agreement rather than just general speech.
Examples in context
- En d'autres termes, elle est bête.In other words, she's dumb.This sentence uses en d'autres termes to provide a blunt rephrasing of a person's intelligence.Tatoeba #550093 by sacredceltic, translation #870455 by Scott
- En d'autres termes, c'est un feignant.In other words, he is lazy.This sentence uses en d'autres termes to provide a blunt rephrasing of a person's character.Tatoeba #338265 by sysko, translation #66773 by CH
- De manière concrète, le monde semble régi à des degrés divers par une logique floue. En d'autres termes, les choses ne sont pas si noires et blanches que l'on peut parfois le penser.In regards to practicality, the world seems to be governed by varying degrees of fuzzy logic. In other words, things aren't so black and white as you may think at times.This sentence uses en d'autres termes to simplify a complex observation about the logic of the world.Tatoeba #4606724 by pfpillon, translation #4606584 by slyfin
- La situation actuelle est inacceptable. Dans d'autres termes, nous devons prendre des mesures immédiates pour y remédier.The current situation is unacceptable. In other words, we need to take immediate action to address it.
- Le projet doit être achevé d'ici vendredi. En d'autres mots, nous avons une échéance stricte à respecter.The project must be completed by Friday. In other words, we have a strict deadline to meet.
- J'aime beaucoup la plage. Autrement dit, je suis un amoureux de l'océan.I really love the beach. In other words, I am an ocean lover.
- Je ne peux pas assister à la fête ce soir. En clair, je suis déjà occupé.I cannot attend the party tonight. In other words, I am already busy.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing a complicated work project.
- NathanLe projet nécessite une restructuration complète.The project requires a complete restructuring.
- LéaEn d'autres termes, nous devons tout recommencer ?In other words, we have to start everything over?
- NathanOui, c'est exactement ça.Yes, that is exactly it.
- LéaC'est un défi énorme pour nous.It is a huge challenge for us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en d'autres termes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, en d'autres termes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
