à vos marques, prêts, partez !
The English phrase "ready, set, go!" is translated into French as à vos marques, prêts, partez !
This phrase is used to signal the start of a race or a competition.
What does it mean word for word?
The first part of the phrase, à vos marques, literally translates to "to your marks".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the variation En place, prêts, partez! is used, meaning "In position, ready, go!"
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to only one person informally, you can use the singular forms à tes marques, prêt, pars !
Did you know?
- In French children's games, you might hear un, deux, trois, partez ! instead of the formal athletic phrasing.
- In official athletics, the command prêts is often omitted, and the starter skips straight from à vos marques to partez.
- In a casual setting, French speakers might simply shout C'est parti ! to signal that an action or a journey has officially begun.
Examples in context
- L'arbitre a crié : « À vos marques, prêts, partez ! »The referee shouted, "Ready, set, go!"
- On dit toujours : « À vos marques, prêts, partez ! »We always say, "Ready, set, go!"
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are starting a foot race in the park.
- NathanEs-tu prête, Léa ?Are you ready, Léa?
- LéaOui, je suis prête ! À toi l'honneur.Yes, I am ready! You do the honors.
- NathanÀ vos marques, prêts, partez !Ready, set, go!
- LéaJe vais gagner !I am going to win!
