debout
/də.bu/
The English word "standing" is translated into French as debout.
Meaning: upright (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word debout functions as an adverb. It is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to agree with the gender or number of the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /də.bu/. It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When describing a person's posture, English speakers sometimes mistakenly attempt to use words like dressé or vertical. Instead, use debout to indicate that someone is standing.
Did you know?
- When a French person says Je suis debout, they might not be describing their posture but rather indicating they have woken up and are out of bed for the day.
- Debout is derived from the words de meaning 'of' and bout meaning 'tip' or 'end'.
- The phrase tenir debout can be used metaphorically to describe an argument or a theory that is logical and holds up under scrutiny.
Examples in context
- Il se tenait debout.He was standing.This sentence shows how to describe someone's posture using debout.Tatoeba #1408739 by sacredceltic, translation #499548 by blay_paul
- Lorsque tu es debout ?While standing?This sentence uses debout to ask about the state of being upright.Tatoeba #9889369 by Micsmithel, translation #9853819 by NurseMeeks
- Il est toujours debout.He is still standing.This sentence describes someone who remains in a standing position using debout.Tatoeba #1315022 by sacredceltic, translation #292888 by CK
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are waiting for a train on a crowded platform.
- NathanTu préfères rester debout ?Do you prefer to stay standing?
- ChloéOui, je suis plus à l'aise debout.Yes, I am more comfortable standing.
- NathanMoi aussi, je n'aime pas m'asseoir ici.Me too, I don't like sitting here.
- ChloéRegarde, le train arrive enfin !Look, the train is finally arriving!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry debout, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries debout, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
