Regarde ça
The English phrase "look at this" can be translated into French as Regarde ça.
What does it mean word for word?
Regarde ça is composed of the imperative verb regarde (look) and the demonstrative pronoun ça (that/this).
Which one should you use?
Regarde ça is the standard, everyday way to say "this" or "that". In contrast, Regarde ceci is a more formal version of the phrase.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Regarde ça is informal and uses the "tu" form of the verb, making it appropriate for friends, family or children. For a formal way to say "look at this", you can use Regardez ceci. Additionally, Veuillez observer ceci is a formal phrase used to ask someone to pay attention to something.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to more than one person or using the formal "vous" form, you must use Regardez ça instead of Regarde ça.
Did you know?
- The word ça is a calque of the German word Es, which is a substantivized pronoun.
- If you use Regarde ça to get someone's attention in a very casual setting, it is common to accompany the phrase with a quick flick of the chin toward the object.
- While regarder means 'to look', in certain slang contexts, using regarde can be a way to signal that something scandalous or shocking is happening.
Examples in context
- Voilà, regarde ça !Here, look at this.Tatoeba #1913152 by sacredceltic, translation #1911974 by CK
- Regarde ça !Look at this.Tatoeba #1998952 by sacredceltic, translation #1998219 by CK
- Regardez ceci, s'il vous plaît. C'est un chef-d'œuvre.Please look at this. It's a masterpiece.
- Veuillez observer ceci attentivement. C'est une illustration importante de notre sujet.Please observe this closely. It's an important illustration of our subject.
- Regarde ça, c'est trop drôle!Look at this, it's so funny!
- Tiens, regarde ça! J'ai trouvé un trésor!Hey, look at this! I found a treasure!
- Matez ça, c'est génial!Look at this, it's awesome!
- Regarde ça, c'est magnifique !Look at this, it is magnificent!
Example conversation
Emma shows Nathan a beautiful photo on her phone.
- EmmaRegarde ça, Nathan.Look at this, Nathan.
- NathanOh, c'est une photo de tes vacances ?Oh, is it a photo from your vacation?
- EmmaOui, regarde ça, le ciel est incroyable.Yes, look at this, the sky is incredible.
- NathanTu as beaucoup de chance.You are very lucky.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
