raconter
/ʁa.kɔ̃.te/
To relate in French is raconter.
For a scientific or statistical context where you are relating or correlating two or more things, you would use corréler.
Meaning: to identify with, understand (verb)
Which one should you use?
If you intend to express the specific concept of relating as 'establishing a link', you should use Établir un lien or Faire le lien to mean 'make the connection'. For the sense of being 'in sync' or 'on the same page', use Être en phase.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Être en phase is more commonly used in France to mean being in sync or on the same page.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁa.kɔ̃.te/. The word has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, raconter des salades literally means 'telling salads' but is used to describe someone who is telling lies or tall tales.
- The word raconter shares a common ancestor with the English word 'count'. In both languages, the act of counting numbers and recounting a story originally stemmed from the same root of listing items in order.
- If you try to use raconter to mean 'relate to a person's feelings', you will only end up saying 'to tell a story' about them instead.
Examples in context
- Il est important d'établir un lien entre ces deux concepts afin de comprendre pleinement la situation.It is important to establish a link between these two concepts in order to fully understand the situation.
- Nous devons faire le lien entre les recherches scientifiques et leurs applications pratiques.We must make the connection between scientific research and its practical applications.
- Cette étude cherche à corréler la consommation de tabac avec les risques de cancer.This study seeks to correlate tobacco consumption with the risks of cancer.
- Hier, il a rapporté l'histoire incroyable qu'il a entendue à la radio.Yesterday, he related the incredible story he heard on the radio.
- Je peux totalement partager ce que tu ressens à propos de cette situation difficile.I can totally relate to what you are feeling about this difficult situation.
- Je peux totalement me reconnaître dans ce que tu vis en ce moment.I can totally relate to what you are going through right now.
- Je m'entends super bien avec elle, on partage les mêmes passions.I get along great with her, we share the same passions.
- Nous sommes totalement en phase concernant notre vision de l'avenir.We are totally in sync regarding our vision of the future.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing a movie they just watched.
- ChloéLe film était triste, mais je peux raconter au héros.The movie was sad, but I can relate to the hero.
- LucasVraiment ? Moi, je ne comprends pas sa réaction.Really? I don't understand his reaction.
- ChloéIl se sent seul, et je connais ce sentiment.He feels alone, and I know that feeling.
- LucasJe vois pourquoi tu peux raconter à lui alors.I see why you can relate to him then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry raconter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries raconter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
