on dirait
In French, "it looks like" is expressed as on dirait.
on dirait is used to say that something seems to be a certain way based on the evidence.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, on dirait means "one would say", composed of the indefinite pronoun on (one/we) and the conditional form of the verb dire (to say).
How does it change in a sentence?
The way you structure the sentence depends on what follows the phrase. If you follow on dirait directly with a noun, you do not use que. However, if you follow it with a full clause containing a subject and a verb, you must add que after on dirait (resulting in on dirait que).
Did you know?
- The use of on as an indefinite pronoun to mean 'one' or 'people' is a Germanic influence. It mirrors how 'man' was used in Old English to refer to any person.
- You can use on dirait to describe things that are not actually visual, such as a sound that 'looks like' a specific instrument.
- In casual spoken French, on almost always replaces nous (we). In this context, on dirait can subtly shift from meaning 'one would say' to 'we would say'.
Examples in context
- On dirait du sang.It looks like blood.This sentence uses on dirait to describe the appearance of a substance.Tatoeba #7099155 by Aiji, translation #10948841 by Adelpa
- On dirait de la neige.It looks like snow.Tatoeba #1979175 by nimfeo, translation #272545 by CK
- On dirait que j'ai merdé.It looks like I messed up.This sentence uses on dirait to introduce a clause describing a situation.Tatoeba #3606630 by sacredceltic, translation #3675534 by CK
- On dirait qu'ils ont gagné le match.It looks like they won the game.
- Ça ressemble à un magnifique coucher de soleil.It looks like a beautiful sunset.
- On dirait qu'il adore la nouvelle chanson.It looks like he loves the new song.
- Il a l'air fatigué aujourd'hui.It looks like he's tired today.
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are looking at a cloud in the sky.
- ManonRegarde ce nuage !Look at that cloud!
- NathanOn dirait un lapin.It looks like a rabbit.
- ManonC'est vrai, il est mignon.It's true, it is cute.
- NathanOn dirait que le temps va changer.It looks like the weather is going to change.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries on, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
