How to Say “Next to” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to express the concept of “next to” in French can greatly enhance your ability to communicate in everyday situations. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to convey this idea formally and informally, providing you with numerous tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable.

1. Formal Ways to Say “Next to” in French

If you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business meeting, or engaging with someone you’re not familiar with, it’s important to use more polished language. Here are some formal expressions to indicate “next to” in French:

1. À côté de – The most common and widely used expression, “à côté de” simply means “next to” or “beside.” For example:
   

   “La bibliothèque est à côté de l’université.” (The library is next to the university.)

2. Proche de – “Proche de” means “close to” or “near” and is often used to indicate proximity.
   

   “Le supermarché est proche de la gare.” (The supermarket is close to the train station.)

3. Contigu à – This expression, meaning “adjacent to” or “contiguous to,” is more formal and not as commonly used as the previous options.
   

   “Le parc est contigu à la rivière.” (The park is adjacent to the river.)

2. Informal Ways to Say “Next to” in French

When you’re in a casual or friendly context, such as chatting with friends, family, or colleagues, there’s more room for informal expressions. These phrases are commonly used in everyday conversations:

1. Aux côtés de – This expression is similar to “à côté de” but carries a slightly more intimate and affectionate tone.
   

   “J’adore passer du temps aux côtés de mes amis.” (I love spending time with my friends.)

2. Juste à côté de – Adding “juste” (meaning “just”) to “à côté de” emphasizes the immediate proximity.
   

   “Le restaurant est juste à côté de chez moi.” (The restaurant is right next to my place.)

3. Collé(e) à – Using “collé(e) à” signifies that two things are stuck or glued together, figuratively suggesting being closely located.
   

   “La boulangerie est collée à l’école.” (The bakery is next to the school.)

3. Regional Variations

French is a language with various regional dialects and expressions. While the previously mentioned phrases are understood throughout the francophone world, there might be some regional variations. Here are a few examples:

1. À côti (Northern France) – In some areas of Northern France, particularly Normandy, the phrase “à côti” is used instead of “à côté de.”
   

   “Le café est à côti du cinéma.” (The coffee shop is next to the cinema.)

2. À donf’ avec (Informal, Parisian slang) – Native Parisians may use the slang expression “à donf’ avec” to express “next to” in a casual way.
   

   “Le concert était trop bien, on était à donf’ avec la scène.” (The concert was amazing, we were right next to the stage.)

Tips for Using “Next to” in French

Here are some additional tips to help you master the usage of “next to” in French:

• Practice with maps or drawings: Draw a simple map or use an existing one to describe different locations using the expressions you’ve learned. This visual aid will help reinforce your understanding.
• Use gestures: While speaking, employing gestures such as pointing or indicating proximity with your hands can further enhance your communication.
• Set up conversations: Engage in role-playing conversations where you practice using “next to” expressions in different scenarios. This will help you become more comfortable with the phrases and their appropriate contexts.

By following these tips, you’ll accelerate your language learning journey and become more confident in expressing proximity in French.

Remember, practice makes perfect! So, don’t hesitate to use these expressions in your daily interactions to reinforce your understanding and fluency in the language.