s'asseoir dehors
To sit outside in French is s'asseoir dehors.
This phrase is used to describe the action of taking a seat in an open area outdoors.
Which one should you use?
The word dehors specifically means 'outside' in the sense of being out of a building. If you want to use a more idiomatic expression meaning 'outdoors' or 'in the open air', you can use en plein air.
How does it change in a sentence?
s'asseoir dehors is a pronominal verb, which means the reflexive pronoun se is necessary to show that the subject is performing the action of sitting down. When you use the first-person plural, the reflexive pronoun is doubled, as seen in nous nous asseyons dehors.
Did you know?
- The verb s'asseoir is one of the few remaining verbs in French that allows two completely different conjugation patterns in the present tense.
- The word dehors shares a common ancestor with the English word 'foray', which refers to a sudden incursion or raid into another's territory.
- While s'asseoir is the verb for sitting, the French often use the phrase en terrasse to describe sitting outside at a café, regardless of whether they are actually on a raised platform.
Examples in context
- Je préférerais m'installer dehors.I would prefer to sit outside.
- Vous avez des places en terrasse?Do you have any outdoor seating?
- On va s'asseoir dehors ?Shall we sit outside?
- On peut s'asseoir dehors ?Can we sit outside?
- Il fait trop chaud pour s'asseoir dehors.It is too hot to sit outside.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are arriving at a café.
- GabrielRegarde, il y a une table libre.Look, there is a free table.
- ChloéOn peut s'asseoir dehors alors ?Can we sit outside then?
- GabrielOui, c'est une excellente idée.Yes, that's a great idea.
- ChloéSuper, je m'installe ici.Great, I'll settle in here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dehors, CC BY-SA 4.0.
