Welcome to our guide on how to say “outside” in France! Whether you’re planning a trip to the beautiful country or simply want to expand your language skills, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with formal and informal ways to say “outside” in French, as well as offer tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Outside” in France
If you prefer a more formal approach to communication, here are a few words and phrases you can use to convey the meaning of “outside” in French:
1. Dehors
The word “dehors” is the most common and standard translation for “outside” in formal French. It is widely used and understood across the country. Here’s an example sentence:
“Pouvez-vous attendre dehors, s’il vous plaît?” (Could you please wait outside?)
2. À l’extérieur
“À l’extérieur” is another formal way to express “outside” in French. It conveys a slightly more refined tone and is often used in official or business settings. Here’s an example:
“Veuillez patienter à l’extérieur pendant que nous préparons la salle.” (Please wait outside while we prepare the room.)
Informal Ways to Say “Outside” in France
For more casual or everyday situations, you might want to use these informal alternatives:
1. Dehors
Yes, “dehors” can be used in informal settings as well. It’s a versatile word that works in both formal and informal contexts. Here’s an example:
“Je t’attends dehors, devant le café.” (I’m waiting for you outside, in front of the café.)
2. Dehhô
In some regions of France, particularly in the south, people use the variant “dehhô” to mean “outside” in informal speech. It adds a touch of regional flair and informality. Here’s an example:
“Viens jouer dehhô avec nous!” (Come play outside with us!)
Regional Variations
While the words mentioned above are widely understood throughout France, it’s important to note that regional variations do exist. Here are a few examples:
1. Deors (Normandy)
In Normandy, people may use the term “deors” instead of “dehors” to refer to “outside.” It’s a subtle variation specific to the region. Example:
“Viens voir, il pleut deors!” (Come see, it’s raining outside!)
2. Dehô (Southern France)
As mentioned earlier, in southern regions of France, especially in Provence and Occitanie, you might hear the word “dehô” to mean “outside.” It adds a touch of colloquialism to the language. Example:
“On mange dehô ce soir?” (Shall we eat outside tonight?)
Additional Tips for Using “Outside” in France
Here are some additional tips to enhance your understanding and usage of the word “outside” in France:
1. Gesture and Context
When communicating with locals, remember to use appropriate gestures, such as pointing towards a specific location, to reinforce your intended meaning. Additionally, consider the context of your conversation to determine the most suitable word or phrase to convey “outside”.
2. Pay Attention to Intonation
Intonation plays a crucial role in conveying meaning, especially in informal speech. Use a rising intonation when inviting someone to go outside, and a falling intonation when emphasizing a location outside.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “outside” in France. We hope this guide has been informative and helpful. Remember to use “dehors” for both formal and informal situations, while keeping regional variations like “dehô” or “deors” in mind if you encounter them during your travels. With these language skills and tips at your disposal, you’ll feel more confident exploring the beautiful outdoors of France!
