Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| coup de théâtre | /ku d(ə) te.atʁ/ /ku d(ə) te.ɑtʁ/ |
masculine |
| rebondissement | /ʁə.bɔ̃.dis.mɑ̃/ | masculine |
| retournement de situation | masculine |
In French, these terms describe a change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot. Use coup de théâtre to describe a sudden, unexpected event that completely changes the context of a situation, often used in literature or film criticism. Use rebondissement when referring to a series of twists or a development that keeps the story moving. Use retournement de situation to describe a reversal of circumstances or a change in the direction of events.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 'coup de théâtre' literally translates to 'blow of the theater', referring to a sudden, dramatic event that changes the course of a play.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ in their specific nuance: rebondissement is often used for a series of twists or a development that keeps the story moving, whereas coup de théâtre implies a single, shocking and highly dramatic moment. On the other hand, retournement de situation is a more descriptive, slightly more formal way to describe a reversal of circumstances or a change in the direction of events.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word rebondissement is a masculine noun, so it is used with the masculine article un or le.
How do you pronounce it?
/ku d(ə) te.atʁ/
Did you know?
- The word coup in coup de théâtre comes from the Ancient Greek word kólaphos, which refers to a slap in the face.
- While rebondissement is used for a plot twist, the verb it comes from, rebondir, literally means 'to bounce' like a ball.
- While 'plot twist' is a common English term, using coup de théâtre in daily conversation can describe a sudden, shocking change in one's personal life, not just in a book or movie.
Examples in context
- Au moment où le détective pensait avoir résolu l'affaire, un rebondissement soudain a révélé que le véritable coupable était en fait son partenaire de confiance.Just when the detective thought he had solved the case, a sudden plot twist revealed that the real culprit was actually his trusted partner.This sentence shows how a sudden rebondissement can change the course of a detective story.Tatoeba #13596581 by Myrano_, translation #13596580 by Myrano_
- Le roman comporte un retournement de situation spectaculaire, ce qui surprendra les lecteurs jusqu'à la dernière page.The novel contains a spectacular plot twist which will surprise readers until the last page.
- Le dernier acte de la pièce de théâtre a apporté un rebondissement inattendu, laissant l'audience bouche bée.The final act of the play brought an unexpected plot twist, leaving the audience in awe.
- Le dernier épisode de cette série télévisée était spectaculaire avec un coup de théâtre inattendu qui a fait parler tout le monde.The last episode of that TV series was spectacular, with an unexpected plot twist that got everyone talking.
- Le livre a un renversement de situation incroyable qui a totalement surpris les lecteurs les plus avertis.The book has an incredible plot twist that completely surprised even the most seasoned readers.
- Quel coup de théâtre à la fin du film !What a plot twist at the end of the movie!
- Le roman commence par un coup de théâtre incroyable.The novel begins with an incredible plot twist.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing a book they just finished.
- NathanTu as aimé la fin de l'histoire ?Did you like the end of the story?
- EmmaOui, mais quel coup de théâtre !Yes, but what a plot twist!
- NathanJe ne m'attendais pas du tout à cela.I wasn't expecting that at all.
- EmmaMoi non plus, c'était totalement imprévisible.Me neither, it was totally unpredictable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plot twist” translations and entries coup de théâtre, rebondissement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coup, coup de théâtre, de, rebondissement, retournement, situation, théâtre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
