remarque
The English phrase side note can be translated into French as remarque.
The word remarque is a noun used to describe a piece of additional information that is not the main point of a text or a conversation. Depending on the context of your conversation, other phrases may be more natural to introduce a side note. For example, you might use the adverbial phrase en passant to introduce an aside or petite précision when you are providing a small clarification or adding brief extra information.
Which one should you use?
While remarque is the direct noun for a remark or a note, other expressions serve different functions in speech. Use en passant to act as an aside or to say 'by the way'. Use petite précision specifically when you want to add a brief, helpful clarification. For a more formal way to bring up something tangentially related to the main topic, use En marge. In informal conversation, if you want to introduce an unrelated or less important point, use Au fait.
Did you know?
- The expression en passant for an aside is shared with the world of chess. In chess, 'en passant' is a special pawn capture move that occurs 'in passing'.
- While remarque translates to 'remark' or 'side note', in certain social contexts it can also mean a 'reprimand' or a 'scolding'. Telling someone faire une remarque can imply you are criticizing them rather than just adding a note.
- If you use the phrase Au fait to introduce a side note, you are actually using a phrase that historically meant 'to the fact', though it is now used colloquially for 'by the way'.
Examples in context
- J'ai une remarque annexe à faire sur ce sujet.I have an additional remark to make on this subject.
- En marge de cette réunion, il convient de mentionner…As a side note to this meeting, it's worth mentioning…
- Au fait, as-tu vu le dernier film de Jean-Pierre?By the way, have you seen Jean-Pierre's latest movie?
- Petite précision, la soirée commence à 20 heures précises.Just to clarify, the party starts at exactly 8 p.m.
- Accessoirement, j'adore le chocolat.On a side note, I love chocolate.
- Juste une petite remarque en passant…Just a quick side note…
- Une petite remarque en passant, il va pleuvoir.A quick side note, it is going to rain.
- Juste une remarque, le magasin est fermé aujourd'hui.Just a side note, the store is closed today.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing their weekend plans.
- EmmaOn se retrouve samedi à midi ?Shall we meet Saturday at noon?
- LucasOui, c'est parfait pour moi, Emma.Yes, that's perfect for me, Emma.
- EmmaUne remarque, Lucas, n'oublie pas ton parapluie.Side note, Lucas, don't forget your umbrella.
- LucasC'est vrai, il va pleuvoir.That's true, it's going to rain.
