sur Dieu
The English phrase "on God" can be expressed in French as sur Dieu.
The phrase is a slang expression used to emphasize that one is telling the truth or is being serious.
Which one should you use?
While sur Dieu is the direct equivalent, you may also encounter the informal variations Juré, craché, which means "sworn and spit" and Promis, juré, which means "promised, sworn".
Did you know?
- The word sur is a homograph that can have two entirely different meanings depending on its origin. It can mean 'on' or, in certain linguistic histories, it can refer to a 'sour' or 'acidic' taste.
- A single accent mark changes the meaning of the word sur entirely. While sur means 'on', adding a circumflex to create sûr changes the meaning to 'sure'.
- The word Dieu shares the same Proto-Indo-European root as the English word 'deity', both stemming from a root meaning 'to shine' or 'sky'.
Examples in context
- Juré, craché, je n'ai pas mangé tes chocolats.Sworn and spit, I didn't eat your chocolates.
- Juré, craché, j'ai réservé les meilleures places pour le concert.Sworn and spit, I booked the best seats for the concert.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are talking about a surprise party.
- GabrielPersonne ne sait pour la fête, sur Dieu.Nobody knows about the party, on god.
- ManonTu es sûr que c'est un secret ?Are you sure it's a secret?
- GabrielOui, je te jure que c'est vrai.Yes, I swear it's true.
- ManonD'accord, je te crois alors.Okay, I believe you then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dieu, dieu, sur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
