When engaging in conversations or writing in French, it’s often helpful to express additional thoughts, comments, or side information using the phrase “side note.” In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various ways to say “side note” in French, both formally and informally. We’ll provide tips, examples, and even a few regional variations along the way. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Side Note” in French
When aiming for a more formal tone or communicating in professional settings, here are a few phrases you can use to convey the equivalent of “side note” in French:
- A propos – Literally translates to “about,” but can be used to introduce additional information related to the topic at hand. Example: “A propos, j’aimerais ajouter que…” (Side note, I would like to add that…)
- Remarque annexe – Directly translates to “additional remark.” This phrase is commonly used in formal contexts and academic writing. Example: “J’ai une remarque annexe à faire sur ce sujet.” (I have an additional remark to make on this subject.)
- En marge – Literally means “in the margins” and is often used to bring up something tangentially related to the main topic. Example: “En marge de cette réunion, il convient de mentionner…” (As a side note to this meeting, it’s worth mentioning…)
Informal Ways to Say “Side Note” in French
If you find yourself in a more casual or familiar conversation, the following expressions are suitable for conveying the idea of a “side note” informally:
- Au fait – This phrase is commonly used to introduce an unrelated or less important point during a conversation. Example: “Au fait, as-tu vu le dernier film de Jean-Pierre?” (By the way, have you seen Jean-Pierre’s latest movie?)
- Petite précision – Translating to “small precision” or “small clarification,” this expression is useful when adding brief extra information. Example: “Petite précision, la soirée commence à 20 heures précises.” (Just to clarify, the party starts at exactly 8 p.m.)
- Accessoirement – This adverbial phrase implies that what follows is less significant or unrelated to the main topic. Example: “Accessoirement, j’adore le chocolat.” (On a side note, I love chocolate.)
Regional Variations
While French has standard expressions to convey “side note,” there might be slight regional variations in certain areas. Here are a couple of examples:
Au passage – Particularly used in French-speaking regions of Canada, this expression can be used to introduce a small additional remark during conversations.
En passant – Similar to “au passage,” this phrase is commonly used in informal French and can be found in certain regions such as France and Belgium.
Putting It All Together: Examples
Let’s now see these phrases in action through some examples:
Formal: A propos, il convient de mentionner que le projet est déjà terminé. (Side note, it is worth mentioning that the project is already finished.)
Informal: Par ailleurs, la réunion aura lieu dans la salle de conférence. (By the way, the meeting will take place in the conference room.)
As you can see, the appropriate choice of expression depends on the context, level of formality, and the relationship between the speakers.
Remember to be mindful of the situation and choose the phrase that best matches the tone and level of formality you wish to convey. With these phrases in your vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to seamlessly add side notes to your conversations and writing in French!
Key Takeaways:
- Formal ways to say “side note” include: “A propos,” “Remarque annexe,” and “En marge.”
- Informal ways to say “side note” include: “Au fait,” “Petite précision,” and “Accessoirement.”
- Regional variations include “Au passage” (Canada) and “En passant” (France, Belgium).
- Choose the appropriate phrase based on the level of formality and the context of the conversation or written piece.
Now that you have a variety of options at your disposal, go ahead and confidently express your side notes in French!
A bientôt! (See you soon!)
