dans
/dɑ̃/
The English phrase "into" is translated into French as dans.
dans is used to describe a position inside a space or container.
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between 'in' (position) and 'into' (movement), the French word dans is used for both static position and movement into a space.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɑ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use en to mean "into" a physical container or space, but en is typically used for abstract states, materials or certain types of movement (like en voiture), whereas dans is the standard for physical entry.
Did you know?
- The word dans originally meant 'from within' rather than 'into'. It comes from the Latin phrase 'dē intus', which described something moving or being positioned from the inside out.
- The word dans is often used to express a future time limit, such as saying 'in five minutes'. In this context, it functions similarly to the English word 'within' rather than just 'into'.
- If you want to say you are traveling 'into' a city or country, you might use en instead of dans. For certain destinations or modes of transport, en is the preferred preposition even if 'into' seems more logical.
Examples in context
- Va dans le jardin.Go into the garden.This sentence shows how to use dans when directing someone to go into a garden.Tatoeba #12268336 by Rovo, translation #12268500 by Miktsoanit
- Il sauta dans l'eau.He jumped into the water.This sentence demonstrates using dans to describe jumping into water.Tatoeba #132722 by Julien_PDC, translation #300193 by CK
- Entre dans la pièce.Come into the room.This sentence illustrates using dans to instruct someone to enter a room.Tatoeba #1408846 by sacredceltic, translation #319544 by CK
- Il est entré dans la maison.He went into the house.
- Le chat est monté dans l'arbre.The cat climbed into the tree.
- Mettez les clés à l'intérieur de la boîte.Put the keys into the box.
- Il est entré en politique.He went into politics.
- Je suis rentré dedans en trombe.I rushed into it.
- J'ai mis la main dedans et j'ai trouvé de l'argent.I put my hand into it and found money.
- J'ai jeté le ballon à l'intérieur du panier.I threw the ball into the basket.
- Mets tes affaires à l'intérieur du sac.Put your things into the bag.
- 1043 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is asking Nathan to put some items away.
- EmmaMets les clés dans le sac, s'il te plaît.Put the keys into the bag, please.
- NathanD'accord, je m'en occupe tout de suite.Okay, I'll take care of it right away.
- EmmaRange aussi ce livre dans le tiroir.Put this book into the drawer too.
- NathanC'est fait, Nathan a tout rangé.It's done, Nathan put everything away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dans, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dans, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
