Bonjour! Are you looking to expand your French language skills? One common phrase you’ll often come across is “is called.” Knowing how to express this phrase in French is essential for effective communication. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways to say “is called” in French, providing you with numerous tips and examples to enhance your understanding. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Is Called” in French
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few expressions you can use to say “is called” in a formal context:
1. Appeler
The most direct translation of “is called” is “s’appeler” in French. This verb is commonly used and perfectly acceptable in formal settings. Let’s look at a few examples:
- Le livre s’appelle “Les Misérables.” (The book is called “Les Misérables.”)
- L’artiste s’appelle Vincent van Gogh. (The artist is called Vincent van Gogh.)
- La chanson s’appelle “La Vie en Rose.” (The song is called “La Vie en Rose.”)
2. Être nommé(e)
Another formal way to say “is called” in French is by using the expression “être nommé(e)”. It adds a bit more formality to the sentence. Here are a few examples:
- Le bâtiment est nommé “Palais de Justice.” (The building is called “Palais de Justice.”)
- La personne est nommée directrice générale. (The person is called CEO.)
- L’espèce est nommée “Panthera leo.” (The species is called “Panthera leo.”)
Informal Ways to Say “Is Called” in French
Now, let’s explore a few informal expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversations:
1. Surnommé(e)
If you want a more casual way to say “is called,” you can use the verb “surnommé(e)”. It conveys a sense of familiarity and informality. Let’s take a look:
- Joe, surnommé “Le Tigre”, est un excellent joueur de tennis. (Joe, nicknamed “The Tiger,” is an excellent tennis player.)
- Ma sœur, surnommée “La Reine des Glaces”, aime le patinage artistique. (My sister, nicknamed “The Ice Queen,” loves figure skating.)
2. Avoir pour nom
Another informal option is to use the phrase “avoir pour nom”. Although less common than the previous options, it still works well in casual conversations. Here are some examples:
- Ce bar a pour nom “Le Petit Bistro”. (This bar is called “Le Petit Bistro.”)
- Cette série télévisée a pour nom “Stranger Things”. (This TV series is called “Stranger Things.”)
- Notre groupe de musique a pour nom “Les Voyageurs”. (Our band is called “Les Voyageurs.”)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, and there can be slight differences in how “is called” is expressed. However, these differences are usually minimal, and the formal and informal options mentioned above remain applicable throughout the French-speaking world. Nevertheless, here’s an example of a regional variation:
En Belgique, on utilise parfois l’expression “est appelé(e)” comme alternative à “s’appeler.” (In Belgium, “est appelé(e)” is sometimes used as an alternative to “s’appeler”.)
Tips for Usage
1. Practice pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of these phrases, specifically the silent letters and liaisons, to sound more natural.
2. Context matters: Adapting your choice of expression based on the context and level of formality is crucial to effective communication.
3. Learn vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary to describe specific objects, people, or concepts. This will allow you to express “is called” with more precision.
Examples in Context
Let’s now see these expressions in action with a few contextual examples:
- Formal: Le bâtiment s’appelle “Tour Eiffel.” (The building is called “Eiffel Tower.”)
- Informal: La nouvelle voiture a pour nom “La Petite Pétillante.” (The new car is called “The Little Sparkling.”)
- Formal: L’écrivain est nommé Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. (The writer is called Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.)
- Informal: Jean, surnommé “Le Magicien,” est un talentueux prestidigitateur. (Jean, nicknamed “The Magician,” is a talented magician.)
Voilà! You’re now equipped with different ways to say “is called” in French, both formally and informally. Remember to adapt your choice of expression based on the situation and context. Keep practicing and exploring the beautiful French language, and you’ll find yourself communicating confidently in no time!
