What does it mean word for word?
The expression consists of trop, which literally means "too much" or "too" and cool. In a colloquial context, trop acts as an intensifier to mean "so".
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter super cool to mean "super cool" or Génial to mean "awesome" or "great". For a more formal sense of "so cool" that translates closer to "truly impressive", use Vraiment impressionnant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
trop cool, super cool and Génial are all informal expressions. You should avoid using trop cool in formal writing or professional settings. If you need a formal tone, use Vraiment impressionnant.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using trop cool to describe an object or a situation, it is commonly preceded by C'est (It is) to form the phrase C'est trop cool.
Did you know?
- Despite the global use of cool, the Académie Française has historically frowned upon the word, viewing it as an unnecessary English intrusion into the language.
- While trop cool is used today, older generations of French speakers traditionally used chic to describe something stylish or 'cool'.
- The term trop descends from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'dwelling' or 'room'.
Examples in context
- Ouah ! C'est trop cool.Wow, that's so cool.This sentence shows how to use trop cool to express excitement about something.Tatoeba #10761431 by lbdx, translation #7421728 by Hybrid
- Ça serait trop cool si je pouvais parler dix langues !It would be so cool if I could speak ten languages!This sentence demonstrates using trop cool to describe a hypothetical desire.Tatoeba #3544 by le_petit_ane_gris, translation #1724 by Swift
- La nouvelle collection de vêtements est très cool, ne trouvez-vous pas?The new clothing collection is so cool, don't you think?
- Tu as gagné le concours ? C'est trop cool !You won the contest? That's so cool!
- J'ai trouvé des billets pour le concert ce soir, c'est génial !I found tickets for the concert tonight, that's so cool!
- Ton nouveau skate est trop cool.Your new skateboard is so cool.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about a concert they attended.
- HugoLe concert d'hier était trop cool !The concert yesterday was so cool!
- ChloéOui, l'ambiance était géniale.Yes, the atmosphere was great.
- HugoTu veux y retourner avec moi ?Do you want to go back there with me?
- ChloéAvec plaisir, Hugo.With pleasure, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cool, trop, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
