quelque chose de drôle
The English phrase 'something funny' is translated into French as quelque chose de drôle.
This phrase refers to something that causes laughter or amusement.
Which one should you use?
While quelque chose de drôle refers specifically to something amusing or humorous, using quelque chose de bizarre instead would change the meaning to refer to something strange or odd.
How does it change in a sentence?
When an adjective like drôle follows the phrase quelque chose, you must precede the adjective with the preposition de.
Did you know?
- The word drôle shares a common ancestor with the English word 'troll'. It evolved from the Old Norse troll via Middle Dutch, originally describing a 'fat little man' or a goblin.
- While quelque chose de drôle is the standard way to say 'something funny', a person might say quelque chose de marrant to sound more informal and colloquial.
Examples in context
- Ai-je dit quelque chose de drôle ?Did I say something funny?This sentence is useful for asking if the speaker said quelque chose de drôle.Tatoeba #4227572 by sacredceltic, translation #2064695 by CK
- Il a raconté quelque chose de drôle à la fête.He told something funny at the party.
- Je cherche quelque chose de drôle à regarder.I am looking for something funny to watch.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are looking for a movie to watch.
- EmmaTu as quelque chose de drôle à me proposer ?Do you have something funny to suggest to me?
- GabrielOui, j'ai trouvé un nouveau film très amusant.Yes, I found a new very amusing movie.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est quelque chose de drôle ?Is it something funny?
- GabrielAbsolument, on va bien rire ensemble.Absolutely, we are going to have a good laugh together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chose, de, drôle, quelque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
