When learning a new language, it’s important to familiarize yourself with everyday phrases to express your feelings or provide an opinion. One such phrase you may come across is “so so.” In this guide, we will explore how to say “so so” in French, including both formal and informal ways. We will also touch upon regional variations, although they are not as common.
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Formal Ways to Say “So So” in French
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking with someone in a polite manner, here are a few phrases you can use to convey the meaning of “so so”:
1. Pas mal
2. Moyen
3. Pas très bien
Let’s break down these phrases:
- Pas mal: Literally translated as “not bad,” this phrase in French is commonly used to express that something is just okay or average. For instance, if someone asks you how you’re feeling, and you’re neither good nor bad, you can reply with “Je vais pas mal” (I’m feeling so so).
- Moyen: This word translates to “average” or “mediocre” in English. When someone asks about your opinion on something, and you feel it’s neither good nor bad, using this term would be appropriate. For example, if someone asks you about a movie you recently watched, you can respond with “Le film était moyen” (The movie was so so).
- Pas très bien: Translating to “not very well” in English, this phrase is used when referring to feeling “so so” health-wise. For instance, if someone asks you about your health, and you’re not feeling great but not terrible either, you can say “Je me sens pas très bien” (I’m feeling so so).
Informal Ways to Say “So So” in French
When conversing with friends, family, or in informal situations, you can use more relaxed expressions to say “so so” in French. Here are a few common phrases:
1. Comme ci, comme ça
2. Bof
3. Pas top
Let’s explore these informal phrases further:
- Comme ci, comme ça: This phrase translates to “like this, like that” in English and is commonly used to express a lukewarm feeling or a state of indifference. For example, if someone asks how your day went, and it was neither good nor bad, you can respond with “Ça va, comme ci, comme ça” (It’s going so so).
- Bof: This expression is commonly used to convey a lackluster or indifferent opinion. It can mean “meh” or “so so” in English. It’s a great casual response when someone asks for your opinion. For instance, if someone asks you if you liked a particular dish, and you found it just okay, you can respond with a simple “Bof” (So so).
- Pas top: Literally translating to “not top,” this phrase is widely used in informal conversations to describe something that is not good but not terrible either. For example, if someone asks you about a concert you attended recently, and you thought it was average, you can say “C’était pas top” (It was so so).
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are understood and used across the French-speaking regions, it’s worth noting that there may be slight regional variations. These variations mainly occur in colloquial vocabulary and pronunciation, rather than a difference in meaning. However, it is important to embrace these variations for a deeper understanding of the French language and culture.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this guide on how to say “so so” in French! Remember, to express this feeling formally, you can use phrases such as “pas mal,” “moyen,” or “pas très bien.” In informal situations, “comme ci, comme ça,” “bof,” and “pas top” will serve you well. Additionally, while regional variations exist, the phrases discussed are universally understood across French-speaking regions.
Continue practicing these phrases in conversations, and you will become more fluent in expressing your feelings and opinions in French. Bonne chance!
