c'est logique
The English phrase "it makes sense" is translated into French as c'est logique.
While c'est logique is the standard way to express that something is logical or reasonable, you can also use ça a du sens to describe something that is meaningful or makes sense in a deeper, more significant way.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase c'est logique literally means "it is logical".
Which one should you use?
C'est logique is the standard expression, but if you want to say an argument or a story is coherent or "holds up," you might use the idiomatic phrase ça se tient.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can also use the construction Il est logique de… to mean "It is logical to…".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ça fait sens. This is a common mistake made by English speakers following English patterns. Instead, use ça a du sens or c'est logique.
Did you know?
- The word logique is a learned borrowing from the Latin logica, which was originally an ellipsis of the Ancient Greek phrase logikḕ tékhnē, meaning 'the art of reasoning'.
- While c'est logique is a statement of fact, French speakers often use it as a conversational filler to signal agreement, similar to 'fair enough' in English.
- In French, the expression ça se tient describes a coherent argument by imagining the logic as a physical building that does not collapse.
Examples in context
- Je pense que c'est logique.I think it makes sense.This sentence shows how to express an opinion about something being logical using c'est logique.Tatoeba #5923080 by Aiji, translation #3706153 by AlanF_US
- C'est logique d'attendre demain.It makes sense to wait until tomorrow.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing a puzzle.
- HugoRegarde, la pièce va ici.Look, the piece goes here.
- ManonAh oui, c'est logique !Ah yes, it makes sense!
- HugoOn a presque fini.We are almost finished.
- ManonC'est super, Hugo.That's great, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, logique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
