la même chose
The English phrase "same thing" is translated into French as la même chose.
The phrase la même chose is used to describe something that is identical or equivalent to another thing. It is frequently used to express that two situations, ideas or objects are identical or equivalent in consequence, as seen in the sentence "C'est la même chose" (It's the same thing).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine definite article la (the), the adjective même (same) and the noun chose (thing).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because chose is a feminine noun, the definite article must be the feminine la rather than the masculine le. To express "the same things" in the plural, both the article and the adjective must agree with the plural noun choses, resulting in les mêmes choses.
Did you know?
- The word chose is a linguistic relative of the English word 'cause', both tracing back to the Latin 'causa', which originally referred to a reason or a legal case.
- The phrase c'est la même chose pour moi can be used idiomatically to say 'I do not care' or 'it is all the same to me'.
- In a French restaurant, if you want to order 'the same thing' as your companion, you can simply say pareil instead of the full phrase la même chose.
Examples in context
- C'est la même chose pour moi.It is the same thing for me.
- Ils ont dit la même chose.They said the same thing.
- On veut la même chose.We want the same thing.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- HugoJe vais prendre un café noir.I'll have a black coffee.
- ManonPour moi, la même chose s'il vous plaît.For me, the same thing please.
- HugoTu ne veux pas de sucre, Manon ?You don't want sugar, Manon?
- ManonNon, je préfère comme ça.No, I prefer it that way.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chose, la, même, CC BY-SA 4.0.
