Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “outside” in French! Whether you are learning French for travel, work, or simply for personal enrichment, this guide will equip you with various options to express this common word. In French, “outside” can be translated as “dehors” or “à l’extérieur.” We will explore the formal and informal ways of saying “outside,” as well as provide regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Translation: “Dehors”
If you wish to express “outside” in a formal context, the most commonly used term is “dehors.” This word is used across most French-speaking regions, so it is widely understood. Here are a few examples demonstrating how to use “dehors” in different sentences:
- Example 1: Je préfère rester dehors pendant les jours ensoleillés. (I prefer staying outside during sunny days.)
- Example 2: Veuillez patienter dehors jusqu’à ce que nous vous appelions. (Please wait outside until we call you.)
- Example 3: Les enfants jouent joyeusement dehors dans le parc. (The children are happily playing outside in the park.)
Remember to use “dehors” in formal situations, such as in professional or academic settings.
Informal Translation: “À l’extérieur”
In informal contexts or everyday conversations, you can use the phrase “à l’extérieur” to convey “outside.” This phrase is more commonly used among friends, family, or in casual contexts. Here are some examples showing how “à l’extérieur” can be used:
- Example 1: On se retrouve à l’extérieur de la bibliothèque après les cours ? (Shall we meet outside the library after classes?)
- Example 2: L’air est frais à l’extérieur, profitons de cette belle journée ! (The air is fresh outside, let’s make the most of this beautiful day!)
- Example 3: Tu pourrais m’aider à porter ces boîtes à l’extérieur de la maison ? (Could you help me carry these boxes outside the house?)
Remember that “à l’extérieur” is better suited for informal situations or when conversing with friends and acquaintances.
Regional Variations
While “dehors” and “à l’extérieur” cover the majority of French-speaking regions, it’s worth noting some regional variations for the word “outside.” In certain areas, different terms might be used, although their usage is less common. Let’s take a look at a few of these variations:
Example 1: Dans certaines régions du Québec, on utilise également le terme “hors”. (In certain regions of Quebec, the term “hors” is also used.)
Example 2: En Provence, il est parfois courant d’entendre “dehòra” pour dire “outside”. (In Provence, it is sometimes common to hear “dehòra” to mean “outside”.)
While these regional variations exist, they are not necessary to learn and can be considered as additional knowledge for those interested in specific dialects or regions.
Tips and Additional Phrases
Here are a few tips and additional phrases related to “outside” in French:
- TIP: “Dehors” and “à l’extérieur” can also be used to express “outdoors” or “outward.”
- TIP: If you want to emphasize the idea of being outside of a particular place, you can use “en dehors de” or “à l’extérieur de.” For example, “Je suis en dehors de la maison” (I am outside the house).
- TIP: To indicate someone is going outside, you can use the verb “sortir.” For example, “Je sors prendre l’air” (I am going outside to get some fresh air).
- Additional Phrase: “Je préfère rester à l’extérieur” (I prefer staying outside).
- Additional Phrase: “Fermez la porte derrière vous en sortant” (Close the door behind you when going out).
By incorporating these tips and additional phrases into your French vocabulary, you can confidently express yourself when discussing the concept of “outside.”
Remember that building a strong language foundation takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter challenges along the way. Embrace the learning process, and soon you’ll find yourself having engaging conversations about various topics, including the great outdoors!
We hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your French vocabulary. Keep enjoying your language learning journey and bon courage!
