sur la photo
The English phrase "in the photo" is translated into French as sur la photo.
This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is visible within a photograph.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, sur la photo translates to "on the photo" because French speakers use the preposition sur (on) rather than dans (in) to describe the content of a photograph.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use dans la photo by translating the English word "in" literally. Instead, you should use the standard idiomatic expression sur la photo.
Did you know?
- The word sur in 'sur la photo' is a direct descendant of the Latin 'super', making it a linguistic cousin to the English word 'super' and the Old English 'ofer'.
- In formal French photography terminology, you might refer to the 'sujet' (subject) appearing sur le cliché, using a more technical term for the photograph than the common 'photo'.
- If you are describing someone who appears in a photograph, you might use the verb 'figurer', which suggests the person is 'appearing' or 'present' on the surface of the image.
Examples in context
- C'est toi sur la photo ?Is that you in the photo?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is the subject of the sur la photo.Tatoeba #11229680 by lbdx, translation #11222616 by sundown
- Sami a reconnu l'homme sur la photo.Sami recognized the man in the photo.This sentence is useful for describing someone being recognized sur la photo.Tatoeba #6326240 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6325894 by OsoHombre
- La fille sur la photo est en train de sourire.The girl in the photo is smiling.This sentence is useful for describing an action performed by a person sur la photo.Tatoeba #1084980 by sysko, translation #10853962 by sundown
- Tiens, sur la tof là-bas, je suis avec mon chien.Look, in that photo over there, I am with my dog.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at old pictures on a phone.
- EmmaQui est l'homme sur la photo ?Who is the man in the photo?
- GabrielC'est mon grand-père.It is my grandfather.
- EmmaIl a l'air très gentil sur la photo.He looks very kind in the photo.
- GabrielOui, il était vraiment formidable.Yes, he was truly wonderful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, photo, sur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
