The French language is known for its rich vocabulary and subtle nuances, making it essential to familiarize yourself with different expressions and phrases for effective communication. If you’re wondering how to say “Is that right?” in French, this guide will walk you through various formal and informal ways, along with some useful tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The Formal Way: Est-ce correct?
In formal situations, such as business meetings, academic contexts, or official conversations, the most appropriate expression to inquire if something is correct or right is “Est-ce correct?” This phrase translates directly to “Is that right?” in English.
Example 1: In a formal conversation –
Person A: “Nous aurons la réunion à 10 heures demain matin.” (We will have the meeting at 10 am tomorrow morning.)
Person B: “Est-ce correct?” (Is that right?)
Example 2: In a professional email –
Bonjour M. Dupont,
J’ai bien noté que vous souhaitiez recevoir le rapport final la semaine prochaine. Est-ce correct?
Merci de confirmer.
Cordialement,
[Your Name]
The Informal Way: C’est juste?
In informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances, you can use the phrase “C’est juste?” This phrase carries the same meaning as “Is that right?” but presents a more relaxed and friendly tone.
Example 1: In a casual conversation –
Person A: “On se retrouve au café à 18h?” (We meet at the café at 6 pm?)
Person B: “C’est juste?” (Is that right?)
Example 2: In a text message among friends –
Salut Julie! J’ai réservé les billets pour le concert samedi soir. On se retrouve devant la salle à 20h, c’est juste?
Regional Variations and Other Expressions
French is spoken in various regions, which means there may be slight differences in expressions. However, the aforementioned formal and informal phrases are widely understood and used throughout the French-speaking world. Nonetheless, it’s interesting to explore a few regional variations and alternative expressions.
Regional Variation: C’est bon?
In certain regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, it’s common to hear the phrase “C’est bon?” when asking if something is right or correct. This expression is equivalent to “Is that right?” and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example:
Person A: “La réunion est prévue à 9 heures du matin.” (The meeting is scheduled for 9 am.)
Person B: “C’est bon?” (Is that right?)
Alternative Expressions:
Aside from the main phrases mentioned, there are a few alternative expressions you can use to convey a similar meaning while keeping the conversation engaging.
- “N’est-ce pas?” – This expression, translating to “Isn’t it?” or “Is that correct?”, is often used to seek agreement or confirmation.
- “C’est bien ça?” – Similar to “Is that right?”, this phrase confirms if something is correct or accurate.
- “C’est exact?” or “C’est correct?” – These expressions explicitly ask if something is exact or correct, emphasizing accuracy.
Practice Makes Perfect!
To truly master any language, practice is key. Here are a few exercises to help reinforce your understanding of these phrases in context.
Exercise 1: Formal Conversations
Read the following conversation and answer the questions:
Person A: “La date limite pour rendre votre rapport est mercredi prochain.”
Person B: “Est-ce correct?“
Person A: “Exactement, vous avez jusqu’au mercredi à 17h pour le soumettre.”
Questions:
1. What is Person B asking?
2. Is the deadline on Wednesday? Confirm using the appropriate phrase.
3. What time is the deadline?
Exercise 2: Informal Text Message
Complete the text message by filling in the blanks with the most suitable phrase:
Salut Thomas! Je viens de réserver les billets pour le concert de demain soir. On se retrouve devant la salle à [BLANK], [BLANK]? Dis-moi si ça te convient, merci!
In Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned the different ways to say “Is that right?” in French, you can confidently navigate both formal and informal situations. Remember to use “Est-ce correct?” for formal settings and “C’est juste?” for informal scenarios. You can also explore regional variations, such as “C’est bon?” in Quebec. Additionally, don’t hesitate to use the alternative expressions mentioned to bring variety to your conversations while seeking confirmation or agreement. With practice, you’ll become more fluent and comfortable in speaking French!
