tellement vrai
The English phrase "so true" is translated into French as tellement vrai.
tellement vrai is used to show strong agreement with a statement or opinion. It can be used as an isolated exclamation, such as Tellement vrai !, to respond to what someone else has said.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb tellement (so/so much) and the adjective vrai (true).
Which one should you use?
While tellement vrai is a common way to express agreement, C'est tout à fait vrai is a slightly more formal or emphatic way to express total agreement, translating to "That is completely true".
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural conversation, the phrase is often preceded by C'est to form the complete sentence C'est tellement vrai (It is so true).
Did you know?
- While tellement vrai expresses agreement, French speakers often use the word grave (which literally means 'serious') as a slang way to say 'so true' or 'totally'.
- If you want to sound like a local instead of a textbook, you might replace tellement vrai with C'est trop vrai. While 'trop' usually means 'too much' in a negative sense, young French speakers use it to mean 'so' or 'extremely'.
- The word vrai is inherited from the Latin vērāx, which was used to describe a truthful person rather than a true statement.
Examples in context
- C'est tellement vrai !That's so true!This sentence is useful for practicing the complete sentence form tellement vrai.Tatoeba #2079311 by sacredceltic, translation #2077770 by Spamster
- C'est tout à fait vraiThat's absolutely true
- Absolument exact!Absolutely correct or right on point
- Trop vrai!Too true
- Carrément!Absolutely or Definitely
- GraveSerious or For sure
- C'est tellement vrai, je n'en reviens pas.It is so true, I can't believe it.
- Ce que tu dis est tellement vrai.What you are saying is so true.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a movie they just watched.
- GabrielCe film montre bien la réalité.This movie really shows reality.
- LéaC'est tellement vrai !That is so true!
- GabrielLéa, tu as aimé la fin ?Léa, did you like the ending?
- LéaOui, c'était parfait.Yes, it was perfect.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tellement, vrai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
