c'est vrai ?
In French, the phrase "is that right" is expressed as c'est vrai ?
The phrase c'est vrai ? is a question used to ask for confirmation if a piece of information is true. Depending on your goal, you might use other variations: c'est bien ça? confirms if something is accurate, c'est exact? asks if something is exact or correct and c'est correct? asks if something is correct. You can also use n'est-ce pas? to seek agreement or confirmation of a statement already made, similar to saying "isn't it?" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase c'est vrai literally translates to "it is true".
Which one should you use?
While c'est vrai ? asks if a specific piece of information is true, n'est-ce pas ? acts as a tag at the end of a sentence to seek agreement with a statement you have already made. Additionally, c'est exact ? serves as a slightly more formal alternative to c'est vrai ? by focusing more on accuracy than on truth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, particularly in Quebec, Canada, the phrase C'est bon? is used to ask if something is right or correct.
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken French, the question c'est vrai ? is often formed simply by using the declarative c'est vrai and raising the pitch of the voice at the end.
Did you know?
- In very informal spoken French, n'est-ce pas ? is frequently replaced by the word non ? at the end of a sentence to achieve the same confirmation.
- French speakers often use c'est vrai as a conversational filler to signal they are listening, much like saying 'really' or 'I see' in English.
- The word vrai traces its roots back to the Latin word 'verax', which is the same ancestor used for the English word 'veracious'.
Examples in context
- Nous aurons la réunion à 10 heures demain matin. Est-ce correct?We will have the meeting at 10 am tomorrow morning. Is that right?
- La réunion est prévue à 9 heures du matin. C'est bon?The meeting is scheduled for 9 am. Is that right?
- Tu as fini ton travail, c'est vrai ?You finished your work, is that right?
- Le musée est fermé aujourd'hui, c'est vrai ?The museum is closed today, is that right?
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing their travel plans.
- EmmaLe train part à huit heures, c'est vrai ?The train leaves at eight o'clock, is that right?
- HugoOui, c'est exact, Emma.Yes, that is correct, Emma.
- EmmaN'oublie pas ton billet, Hugo.Don't forget your ticket, Hugo.
- HugoNe t'inquiète pas, je l'ai.Don't worry, I have it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, vrai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
