When it comes to expressing the idea of “moving on” in French, it’s important to consider both the formal and informal ways of conveying this concept. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “moving on” in French, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations along the way. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Moving On” in French
1. Passer à autre chose
This formal phrase translates to “moving on” and conveys the idea of shifting your focus or attention to something else. For instance, you can use it in a sentence like:
“Après cette expérience difficile, il est temps de passer à autre chose.” (“After this difficult experience, it’s time to move on.”)
2. Continuer sa vie
This formal expression means “to continue one’s life” and implies moving forward from a particular situation. Consider the following example:
“Malgré la douleur, il faut continuer sa vie et voir l’avenir.” (“Despite the pain, one must move on and look towards the future.”)
3. Avancer et laisser derrière
When you want to express the idea of “moving on” by advancing and leaving something behind, you can use this formal phrase:
“Il est temps d’avancer et de laisser derrière les erreurs du passé.” (“It’s time to move on and leave the mistakes of the past behind.”)
Informal Ways to Say “Moving On” in French
1. Tourner la page
This informal expression literally translates to “turning the page” and suggests leaving a situation or event in the past. It is commonly used when talking about relationships or past experiences. An example sentence could be:
“Il est temps de tourner la page et de chercher de nouvelles aventures.” (“It’s time to move on and seek new adventures.”)
2. Passer à autre chose
Although this phrase was mentioned earlier as a formal option, it can also be used in an informal context. It serves as a versatile expression to convey the idea of moving on in various contexts:
“C’est difficile, mais il faut passer à autre chose et continuer à avancer.” (“It’s tough, but we have to move on and keep moving forward.”)
3. Faire le deuil
While this phrase literally means “to mourn” or “to grieve,” it can also be used informally to express the process of moving on emotionally:
“Il est temps de faire le deuil et de se reconstruire.” (“It’s time to move on and rebuild oneself.”)
Regional Variations
While French is mainly a standardized language across regions, there might be slight variations in local dialects or informal speech. One such example is found in Canadian French:
1. Passer à autre chose (Québec)
In Quebec, the expression “passer à autre chose” is commonly used to mean “moving on.” However, it’s worth noting that Quebec French has some unique vocabulary and pronunciation variations compared to European French.
Tips for Using “Moving On” in French
1. Context is key:
Ensure you understand the specific situation or context well before choosing the appropriate phrase to express “moving on.”
2. Pay attention to formality:
Consider the level of formality required, as some phrases may be more suitable for professional or casual situations.
3. Practice pronunciation:
Listen to audio recordings or native speakers to familiarize yourself with the correct pronunciation of the phrases.
4. Use gestures and expressions:
In addition to the verbal expression, you can also use appropriate hand gestures or facial expressions to emphasize your intention of moving on.
To Sum Up
In French, there are various ways to convey the idea of “moving on,” ranging from formal to informal expressions. Whether you use phrases like “passer à autre chose” or “tourner la page,” it’s essential to consider the context and level of formality in which these expressions are used. Remember, moving on is a personal journey filled with growth and new opportunities!
