ce serait
In French, it would be is translated as ce serait.
This phrase is used to describe a hypothetical situation or a possible result in the conditional mood. It is used in the conditional mood to express a hypothetical or polite suggestion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ce (it/this) and serait, which is the conditional form of the verb être (to be).
Which one should you use?
Use ce serait for hypothetical or uncertain situations, whereas c'est is used for certain, factual statements meaning 'it is'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the conditional mood. Although the plural form for 'it would be' (referring to multiple things) is ce seraient, ce serait is often used colloquially for both singular and plural in certain contexts.
Did you know?
- Using ce serait allows a speaker to employ 'distanciation', a social strategy used to voice an opinion without taking full personal ownership of it.
- The verb être inside serait is one of the few French verbs that had two completely different Latin ancestors, creating a complex history for the word 'to be'.
- Using ce serait is a key part of the French 'culture of politeness', as it softens a request to make it a hypothetical suggestion rather than a demand.
Examples in context
- Ce serait mieux d'essayer.It would be better to try.This sentence is useful for suggesting that an action might be a better option using ce serait.Tatoeba #12349 by sacredceltic, translation #42606 by CK
- Ce serait inutile de faire ça.It would be pointless to do that.This sentence is useful for describing a hypothetical result that lacks purpose using ce serait.Tatoeba #9810490 by Rovo, translation #9809747 by CK
- Ce serait un plaisir pour moi.It would be a pleasure.This sentence is useful for expressing a polite hypothetical sentiment using ce serait.Tatoeba #11908562 by Rovo, translation #869488 by CM
- Serait-il possible d'avoir une copie de ce rapport ?Would it be possible to have a copy of this report?
- Ce serait idéal si vous pouviez finaliser le projet cette semaine.It would be ideal if you could finalize the project this week.
- Il serait judicieux de prendre en compte ces recommandations.It would be wise to take these recommendations into account.
- Ça serait cool de se voir ce weekend !It would be cool to see each other this weekend!
- Ce serait pas mal d'organiser une petite fête pour célébrer ça.It wouldn't be bad to organize a small party to celebrate that.
- Si on pouvait louer une villa en Provence, ça aurait de l'allure !If we could rent a villa in Provence, it would have style!
- 115 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- NathanCe serait génial d'aller au cinéma.It would be great to go to the cinema.
- LéaOui, ce serait une excellente idée.Yes, it would be an excellent idea.
- NathanTu veux y aller samedi ?Do you want to go on Saturday?
- LéaD'accord, je suis libre ce jour-là.Okay, I am free that day.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
