c'est cool
The English phrase "it is cool" is translated into French as c'est cool.
While the word cool is used as an adjective in French, it is a loanword from English and is primarily used in colloquial speech.
Which one should you use?
Other terms change based on the level of enthusiasm or formality. For example, c'est génial, c'est super and c'est trop bien are all informal ways to express excitement or high praise, whereas formal alternatives include c'est impressionnant, c'est excellent and c'est fantastique.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
c'est cool is an informal phrase and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. For formal situations, use c'est impressionnant, c'est excellent or c'est fantastique. For informal situations where you want to show more enthusiasm, you might use c'est génial, c'est super or c'est trop bien.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the slang term c'est classe is used to describe something as cool, stylish or classy.
Did you know?
- While c'est cool is common today, French speakers in the 1960s and 70s used c'est bath to say something was 'cool' or 'great'. This slang is now considered vintage and is mostly used by older generations.
- In French, cool is an invariable adjective, meaning it never changes its spelling to match the gender or number of the noun it describes.
- To express that someone is 'cool' in the sense of being 'laid back', French speakers might use the word zen, borrowing from the Buddhist tradition via English.
Examples in context
- Cet endroit est super cool, on devrait y aller plus souvent !This place is super cool, we should go there more often!
- Le film était super drôle, j'ai ri du début à la fin ! C'était trop bien !The movie was super funny, I laughed from beginning to end! It was so cool!
- J'ai passé une soirée chouette avec des amis.I had a cool evening with friends.
- Ton nouveau look est vraiment classe, tu es vraiment à la mode !Your new look is really cool, you're really trendy!
- C'est cool de venir avec toi.It is cool to come with you.
- Tu as un nouveau vélo ? C'est cool !You have a new bike? It is cool!
- C'est cool, on peut partir demain.It is cool, we can leave tomorrow.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing a music festival.
- ChloéIl y a un concert ce soir.There is a concert tonight.
- HugoAh oui ? C'est cool !Oh really? It is cool!
- ChloéOn y va ensemble ?Shall we go together?
- HugoOui, c'est une super idée.Yes, it is a great idea.
