Taking selfies is a popular trend around the world, and France is no exception. Whether you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower or exploring the beautiful French countryside, capturing the moment with a selfie is a fun way to create lasting memories. In this guide, we will explore how to say “selfie” in French, providing both formal and informal expressions. So, get ready to strike a pose and learn some useful terms for your next French adventure!
Table of Contents
1. Formal expressions for selfie in French
If you want to use more formal language, especially in professional or formal settings, it’s essential to know the appropriate terms for a selfie. Here are some formal expressions you can use:
1. Autoportrait
The most formal way to refer to a selfie in French is “autoportrait.” This term directly translates to “self-portrait” and is commonly used in artistic contexts. It carries a sense of sophistication and can be used when discussing self-portraits taken by painters or photographers as well. Example: “J’ai pris un bel autoportrait devant la Tour Eiffel ce matin.” (I took a beautiful self-portrait in front of the Eiffel Tower this morning.) 2. Photographie de soi
Another formal term for a selfie in French is “photographie de soi,” which means “photograph of oneself.” This expression places emphasis on the photographic aspect of the self-portrait. Example: “La photographie de soi est devenue très populaire grâce aux réseaux sociaux.” (The photograph of oneself has become very popular thanks to social media.) 3. Auto-photo
“Auto-photo” is a slightly less formal term for a selfie in French. It combines the words “auto” (self) and “photo” (photo) to create a simple and straightforward expression. Example: “Elle prend beaucoup d’auto-photos lors de ses voyages.” (She takes a lot of selfies during her travels.)
2. Informal expressions for selfie in French
In casual conversations or when posting on social media, you may want to use more informal expressions to refer to selfies. Here are some commonly used informal terms:
1. Selfie
Believe it or not, the word “selfie” is also widely used in France, especially among the younger generation. Although it is an English word, it has been adopted and integrated into the French language. Example: “J’ai pris un selfie avec mes amis à la fête hier soir.” (I took a selfie with my friends at the party last night.) 2. Égoportrait
“Égoportrait” is another popular and informal way to refer to a selfie in French. This term directly translates to “ego-portrait” and reflects the self-centered nature of selfie culture. Example: “Il adore prendre des égoportraits et les partager sur les réseaux sociaux.” (He loves taking selfies and sharing them on social media.) 3. Une photo de moi
When in informal settings, you can simply say “une photo de moi,” which means “a photo of me.” While it may not specifically imply a selfie, it can still be used to refer to self-portraits taken with a front-facing camera. Example: “J’ai pris une photo de moi devant cette magnifique vue.” (I took a photo of myself in front of this magnificent view.)
3. Regional expressions for selfie in French
While formal and informal expressions are widely understood throughout France, there can be some regional variations in vocabulary. Here are a few examples of regional expressions you might encounter:
1. Faire un égo
In some regions of France like Quebec, you might hear the expression “faire un égo” to refer to taking a selfie. This informal term is derived from the word “égoportrait” mentioned earlier. Example: “On va faire un égo devant cette belle cascade, ça va être génial!” (Let’s take a selfie in front of this beautiful waterfall, it’s going to be amazing!) 2. Faire une photo de moi
In certain parts of France, particularly in rural areas, people might say “faire une photo de moi” to indicate taking a selfie. This expression is similar to the informal expression mentioned above. Example: “J’ai décidé de faire une photo de moi pour immortaliser ce voyage à la campagne.” (I decided to take a selfie to capture this countryside trip.) 3. Se prendre en photo
While not specific to selfies, the expression “se prendre en photo” (to take oneself in a photo) can also be used to describe the act of taking selfies. This expression can be heard in various regions across France. Example: “On s’est pris en photo devant le monument historique pour garder un souvenir de notre visite.” (We took a selfie in front of the historical monument to keep a memory of our visit.)
Conclusion
Now that you have explored both formal and informal expressions for saying “selfie” in French, you can confidently capture and share your favorite moments in the language of love. Remember, using appropriate expressions can help you navigate a variety of situations, from artistic discussions to social media interactions. So, strike a pose, say cheese, and enjoy your selfie-taking adventures in France!
