au courant
/o ku.ʁɑ̃/
The English phrase 'privy' is translated into French as au courant.
The phrase is used to describe being 'in the loop', up-to-date or having knowledge of a particular situation or development. It is typically used with the verb être (to be) to express the state of being aware of something.
Meaning: with knowledge of, party to, let in on (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, au courant means 'in the current', as if a person is caught up in the flow of information.
Which one should you use?
While informé means one has been given specific information, au courant implies a more continuous sense of being up-to-date or 'in the loop' with a situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to specify exactly what you are privy to, the phrase is almost always followed by the preposition de. For example, you would say au courant de something.
How do you pronounce it?
/o ku.ʁɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word courant is a linguistic relative of the English word 'currency', as both derive from the Latin root for 'running' or 'flowing'.
- If you are following a rumor, you might say le bruit court, which literally translates to 'the noise runs'.
- The term courant is used to distinguish between formal and everyday language. Le français courant refers to the standard version of the language spoken in daily life.
Examples in context
- Je ne suis pas au courant de leurs décisions.I'm not privy to their decisions.This sentence shows how to express that you are not privy to certain decisions using au courant.Tatoeba #3141451 by Aiji, translation #734421 by CM
- Je suis informé(e) des derniers développementsI am privy to the latest developments
- Il/Elle est au courant des dernières avancéesHe/She is privy to the latest advancements
- Je suis au jus concernant cette affaireI am privy to this matter
- Es-tu au courant de ce changement ?Are you aware of this change?
- Il n'est pas au courant de la nouvelle.He is not privy to the news.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking in a break room about a project update.
- NathanEs-tu au courant du nouveau projet ?Are you aware of the new project?
- EmmaNon, je ne suis pas du tout au courant.No, I am not aware at all.
- NathanJe vais te tenir au courant.I will keep you posted.
- EmmaMerci, c'est gentil de ta part.Thanks, that is kind of you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry au courant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries au courant, courant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
