When it comes to expressing the concept of “made by” in French, there are a few different phrases you can use depending on the context and formality. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this idea, providing you with useful tips, examples, and even regional variations.
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Formal Expressions
1. Fabriqué par: This is the most common and straightforward way to say “made by” in a formal setting. It is used when discussing products or objects that have been manufactured or created by someone.
Example: Ces meubles sont fabriqués par des artisans talentueux. (These furniture pieces are made by talented artisans.)
Informal Expressions
1. Fait par: This is the informal equivalent of “fabriqué par.” It is commonly used in everyday conversations and is suitable for various contexts.
Example: J’ai goûté le gâteau fait par ma grand-mère. (I tasted the cake made by my grandmother.)
Regional Variations
French is a diverse language spoken in various regions around the world. While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout the Francophone world, there might be some regional variations. Let’s explore a couple of them:
Québécois Variation
In Quebec, Canada, the following expressions are commonly used:
- 1. Fait par: This is the standard Quebecois form of “made by” for both formal and informal situations. It is similar to the informal French expression we discussed earlier.
- 2. Créé par: This phrase is often used in Quebec to express “made by” in the sense of creation or artistic work.
Example: Ce film a été fait par une équipe québécoise talentueuse. (This film was made by a talented Quebecois team.)
Swiss Variation
In Switzerland, you might come across the following expressions:
- 1. Réalisé par: This is commonly used in Switzerland to convey the idea of “made by” in a formal context, especially in reference to films, documentaries, or theater productions.
- 2. Conçu par: This expression is often employed when discussing the creation of technical objects or designs.
Example: Cette horloge a été conçue par un horloger suisse renommé. (This clock was made by a renowned Swiss watchmaker.)
Tips for Using “Made By” in French
Here are some additional tips to consider when using these phrases:
- 1. Pay attention to gender and number: Just like other French nouns and adjectives, the words used to express “made by” should agree in gender and number with the subject they refer to. For example, “fabriqué par” becomes “fabriquée par” when referring to a feminine subject.
- 2. Use prepositions wisely: In some cases, French also uses other prepositions like “de” (of) or “à” (by/at) to express the idea of “made by.” For instance, “made in France” can be translated as “fabriqué en France” or “fait en France.”
- 3. Consider context and audience: The level of formality and the appropriate phrase to use can vary depending on the situation and audience. When in doubt, it’s usually safer to opt for the more common and versatile expressions.
By mastering these tips and expressions, you’ll be able to convey the notion of “made by” in a formal or informal setting, whether you’re discussing products, objects, or artistic creations. Practice using these phrases in different contexts, and you’ll sound confidently fluent in French!
