dit que
The English phrase "said that" is translated into French as dit que.
This phrase is used to report a statement made by someone.
Which one should you use?
In English, the word "that" can often be omitted (for example, "He said it was good"), but in French, the conjunction que must always be included after the verb of saying.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ont dit que is the third-person plural version, which is used to mean "they said that".
Did you know?
- In French legal history, the term dit was often used to introduce a nickname or an alias, such as 'Jean, dit the Fox'.
- The word que shares a common ancestor with the English word 'what'.
- While dit que translates to 'said that', the word dit can also be used as a noun to describe a traditional short poem or a folk tale.
Examples in context
- Tom a dit que c'était bon.Tom said that was OK.This sentence is useful for showing how to use dit que to report that something was good.Tatoeba #5380396 by Aiji, translation #5004083 by CK
- Tu as dit que tu l'aimais.You said that you loved him.This sentence is useful for showing how to use dit que to report a feeling of love.Tatoeba #8078198 by felix63, translation #3050533 by Hybrid
- J'ai dit que je l'aiderais.I said that I would help him.This sentence is useful for showing how to use dit que to report a future intention to help.Tatoeba #1836627 by sacredceltic, translation #1836127 by Spamster
- Le professeur a dit que l'examen aura lieu demain.The teacher said that the exam will take place tomorrow.
- Le directeur a dit que la réunion est reportée.The director said that the meeting is postponed.
- Le président a dit que les négociations sont en cours.The president said that the negotiations are underway.
- Le porte-parole a déclaré que la situation est sous contrôle.The spokesperson stated that the situation is under control.
- L'avocat a déclaré que son client était innocent.The lawyer stated that his client was innocent.
- Le diplomate a déclaré que les discussions sont en bonne voie.The diplomat stated that the discussions are on track.
- Il m'a dit que la fête était incroyable.He told me that the party was amazing.
- Elle a dit que le film était fantastique.She said that the movie was fantastic.
- Il a mentionné que le projet est achevé.He said that the project is completed.
- Elle a avoué que c'était son erreur.She admitted that it was her mistake.
- 212 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing a message from their friend.
- NathanLucas a dit que tu étais là.Lucas said that you were here.
- EmmaAh bon ? Il a dit ça ?Oh really? He said that?
- NathanOui, il a dit que tu arrivais bientôt.Yes, he said that you were arriving soon.
- EmmaD'accord, je vais le voir tout de suite.Okay, I'm going to see him right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dit, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
