on dirait
The English phrase "it sounds like" is translated into French as on dirait.
on dirait is used to express that something seems to be a certain way based on the evidence available to you. In French on dirait covers both auditory impressions ("it sounds like") and visual impressions ("it looks like").
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "one would say" or "one would seem to say."
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use on dirait followed by a full clause consisting of a subject and a verb, you must add the conjunction que after it. This creates the construction on dirait que…, which translates to "it sounds like / it looks like / it seems that…"
Did you know?
- The on in the expression is a linguistic relative of the English word 'man'. Both words share an ancestry that traces back to terms for a generic 'human being'.
- French speakers use on dirait to express a hunch even when there is no auditory or visual evidence, effectively using it as a synonym for 'I have a feeling'.
- In spoken French, the phrase on dirait is often used as a shorthand for on dirait que, where the que is dropped and the phrase is used as a standalone reaction to a strange sight or sound.
Examples in context
- On dirait que c’est le déjeuner.It sounds like lunch.Tatoeba #13195687 by sacredceltic, translation #13195686 by sacredceltic
- On dirait que vous avez tout essayé.It sounds like you've tried everything.Tatoeba #5375266 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5375020 by CK
- On dirait que vous avez pris du bon temps.It sounds like you had a great time.Tatoeba #1273094 by sacredceltic, translation #1273072 by CK
- On dirait de la musique au loin.It sounds like distant music.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- HugoOn dirait que c'est une forêt.It sounds like it's a forest.
- EmmaOui, mais c'est très abstrait.Yes, but it's very abstract.
- HugoOn dirait qu'il pleut sur le tableau.It sounds like it's raining on the painting.
- EmmaJe vois ça, Hugo.I see that, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries on, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
