c'est tout
In French, "is everything" is expressed as c'est tout.
The phrase c'est tout is used to indicate that a list is complete or that there is nothing more to add. If you use C'est tout ? with a rising intonation, it functions as a question meaning "Is that all?" or "Is that everything?"
Which one should you use?
While c'est tout signifies completion, you should use ce n'est pas tout if you want to indicate that there is more to follow.
Did you know?
- If you say C'est tout ! with a sharp, falling intonation, it can sound dismissive or even rude, as if you are telling someone to shut up or stop talking.
- The phrase c'est tout is often accompanied by a small shrug or a palm-up gesture to emphasize that there is truly nothing more to say.
- The word tout is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'total', as both derive from the same Latin root meaning 'all' or 'entire'.
Examples in context
- C'est tout ce que j'ai jamais désiré.This is everything I've ever wanted.This sentence shows how to use c'est tout to describe a singular desire.Tatoeba #958194 by sacredceltic, translation #954430 by CK
- L'amour, c'est tout.Love is everything.This sentence shows how to use c'est tout to define love.Tatoeba #4548482 by sacredceltic, translation #4500884 by CK
- Je voudrais un café, c'est tout.I would like a coffee, that is everything.
Example conversation
Chloé is finishing her order at a small cafe.
- ChloéUn croissant et un thé, s'il vous plaît.A croissant and a tea, please.
- NathanEt avec ceci ?Anything else with that?
- ChloéNon merci, c'est tout.No thank you, that's everything.
- NathanTrès bien, je vous apporte ça tout de suite.Very well, I will bring that to you right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, tout, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
