Guide: How to Say “Skip Class” in French

Are you planning a French escapade but find yourself stuck in the confines of a classroom? Fear not! In this guide, we’ll equip you with the essential vocabulary and phrases to master the art of skipping class in French. Whether you want to convey your desire to ditch class in a formal or informal setting, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Skip Class”

If you wish to approach the topic with a more formal tone, here are a few expressions you can use:

1. Manquer le cours: This phrase can be translated to “to miss class” and is widely used in formal settings. For example, “Je vais manquer le cours aujourd’hui” means “I am going to skip class today.”
2. Déroger à la présence: Literally meaning “to deviate from attendance,” this phrase can be used to convey the act of skipping class in a more formal manner. For instance, “Il a dérogé à la présence ce matin” means “He skipped class this morning.”
3. Ne pas se rendre en cours: This expression, meaning “not to attend class,” is another formal way to express your intention. For example, “Je ne vais pas me rendre en cours demain” translates to “I will not attend class tomorrow.”

Informal Ways to Say “Skip Class”

When it comes to speaking more casually about skipping class, you can use these phrases:

1. Sécher les cours: This informal expression is commonly used among students to convey the act of skipping class. For instance, “On va sécher les cours cet après-midi” means “We’re going to skip class this afternoon.”
2. Faire l’école buissonnière: Literally meaning “to play truant,” this phrase is used colloquially to refer to skipping school or class. For example, “Il aime bien faire l’école buissonnière” translates to “He enjoys playing truant.”
3. Éviter le cours: This casual expression can be used to express the idea of avoiding class. For instance, “J’ai envie d’éviter le cours de mathématiques aujourd’hui” means “I feel like skipping the math class today.”

Regional Variations

While French is widely spoken across various regions, there are some regional differences in vocabulary and expressions. Here are a couple of regional variations:

• Sécher les cours / Lâcher les cours: In some regions, such as Quebec, Canada, people may use “lâcher les cours” instead of “sécher les cours” to mean “to skip class.” Both expressions are widely understood and used interchangeably.

Tip: It’s essential to remember that skipping class should not become a habit. Education is crucial, and attending classes allows you to maximize learning opportunities and achieve your goals.

Now that you have learned the various ways to say “skip class” in French, let’s practice some sample sentences:

1. “Je vais manquer le cours de français pour aller au cinéma.” (I am going to skip the French class to go to the cinema.)
2. “On peut sécher les cours cet après-midi et aller se balader en ville.” (We can skip class this afternoon and go for a walk in town.)
3. “Pourquoi est-ce que tu veux faire l’école buissonnière encore une fois ?” (Why do you want to play truant again?)

Remember, using these expressions should be done responsibly and serve as an occasional exception rather than a standard practice. Education is vital, and attending classes is crucial for your personal growth and success.

Tip: If you genuinely need to miss class due to illness or an emergency, make sure to inform your teacher or school administration responsibly and follow the correct protocols.

With this guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to express your desire to skip class in French, both formally and informally. Remember to use these phrases wisely and responsibly!