Bonjour! Are you eager to expand your French vocabulary and learn how to say “over” in various contexts? Look no further! In this guide, we will explore different ways to express this versatile word in both formal and informal settings. We will also touch upon any regional variations when necessary. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the world of “over” in French!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Over”
If you find yourself in a formal situation, such as official correspondence, speeches, or academic writing, you can use the following formal expressions for “over”:
- Au-dessus : This is the most common way to express “over” when referring to something physically located above another object. For example, “The plane is flying over the mountains” would be translated as “L’avion vole au-dessus des montagnes.”
- Par-dessus : This term is commonly used to convey a sense of going or reaching over something. For instance, “She jumped over the fence” would be “Elle a sauté par-dessus la clôture” in French.
- Au-delà : If you want to convey the idea of something being on the other side or beyond a border, you can use this expression. For example, “His influence extends over several countries” would be “Son influence s’étend au-delà de plusieurs pays.”
Informal Ways to Say “Over”
When engaging in casual conversations or informal writing, you can opt for the following expressions to say “over”:
- Au-dessus de : While “au-dessus” can also be used informally, adding “de” at the end softens the tone, making it suitable for everyday conversations. For example, “The cat is sleeping over the chair” can be translated as “Le chat dort au-dessus de la chaise.”
- Par-dessus le marché : This informal phrase can be used when you want to convey the idea of going over and above something, both literally and figuratively. It translates to “on top of that” or “what’s more.” For instance, “I helped clean the house, and, on top of that, I cooked dinner” would be “J’ai aidé à nettoyer la maison et, par-dessus le marché, j’ai cuisiné le dîner.”
- Passer par-dessus bord : This expression, meaning “to go overboard,” is often used informally to indicate excessive behavior or exaggeration. For example, “Don’t go overboard with the decorations” can be “Ne passez pas par-dessus bord avec les décorations.”
- En plus de cela : This phrase can be used to introduce an additional point in casual conversations or informal writing, similar to the English expression “over and above that.” For instance, “He offered to help, and, over and above that, he brought me flowers” translates to “Il a proposé de m’aider et, en plus de cela, il m’a apporté des fleurs.”
Regional Variations
While French is the official language of France, it’s worth noting that regional variations exist within the country and its territories. Some expressions may slightly differ depending on the location. However, it is important to remember that formal French is understood throughout the French-speaking world, so using the formal expressions mentioned earlier will always be suitable.
TIP: If you are unsure about regional variations or want to sound more universally French, sticking to the formal expressions is highly recommended.
Now that we have explored both formal and informal ways to say “over” in French, let’s take a look at a few examples to solidify your understanding:
Examples:
- He put a sheet over the bed. → Il a mis un drap au-dessus du lit.
- The airplane flew over the city. → L’avion a survolé la ville.
- The ship sank and went overboard. → Le navire a coulé et est passé par-dessus bord.
- We went over and above to prepare the surprise. → Nous avons fait plus que nécessaire pour préparer la surprise.
Congratulations! You have now expanded your French vocabulary by learning various ways to say “over” in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to practice these expressions in different scenarios to become more familiar with their usage and improve your overall French fluency. Bonne chance!
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