effet domino
/e.fɛ dɔ.mi.no/
The English phrase 'ripple effect' is translated into French as effet domino.
The term is used to describe one event instigating a set of other events. While English speakers often use the imagery of a 'ripple effect' to describe spreading consequences, French speakers more commonly use effet domino to describe a chain reaction of events. Depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, you might also use synonyms such as conséquences en chaîne (chain reaction), retombées indirectes (indirect repercussions) or répercussions en cascade (cascading repercussions).
Meaning: one event instigating a set of other events (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally 'domino effect' rather than a literal translation of the English 'ripple effect'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun effet is masculine, so you use the indefinite article un when referring to a single instance, as in un effet domino.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of effet domino is /e.fɛ dɔ.mi.no/. It consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word domino may have been chosen for the game tiles because of the black color associated with the robes of a 'dominus'.
- In French, using effet domino often implies a more sudden and uncontrollable sequence of events than the English 'ripple effect'.
- In French, répercussions en cascade is often used when the 'ripple effect' describes something falling downward in a hierarchy or sequence.
Examples in context
- L'effet domino des politiques économiques a provoqué une crise financière mondiale.The ripple effect of economic policies caused a global financial crisis.
- La hausse des prix du logement a un effet de propagation sur toute l'économie québécoise.The increase in housing prices has a ripple effect on the entire Québec economy.
- Les mesures de l'Union européenne ont un effet ricochet sur les politiques suisses.The measures taken by the European Union have a ripple effect on Swiss policies.
- La chute de la banque a provoqué un effet domino sur l'économie mondiale.The bank's collapse triggered a ripple effect on the global economy.
- Cela peut provoquer un effet domino.That can cause a domino effect.
- La crise a créé un effet domino économique.The crisis created an economic domino effect.
- On craint un effet domino dans le secteur.We fear a domino effect in the sector.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing the impact of a local factory closure.
- GabrielLa fermeture de l'usine va créer un effet domino.The factory closure is going to create a domino effect.
- ChloéTu penses que les petits commerces vont souffrir ?Do you think the small businesses will suffer?
- GabrielOui, c'est un effet domino inévitable.Yes, it is an inevitable domino effect.
- ChloéC'est une situation vraiment inquiétante.It is a really worrying situation.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry effet domino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries domino, effet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
