Learning how to say “still” in French is a crucial step in expanding your language skills. Whether you want to express persistence, continuance, or even surprise, there are various ways to convey the meaning of “still” in both formal and informal contexts. In this guide, we will explore different expressions, regional variations, and provide you with a plethora of tips and examples to help you master the usage of “still” in French.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions of “Still” in French
When speaking in formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal expressions for “still” in French:
- Toujours – This is the most common translation for “still” in formal contexts. For example:
Il travaille toujours avec la même passion. (He still works with the same passion.)
- Encore – This word is often used to convey “still” in the sense of “yet” or “anymore” in formal situations. For example:
Je n’ai pas encore terminé mon travail. (I still haven’t finished my work.)
- Néanmoins – Translated as “nonetheless,” this word can be used formally to indicate persistence. For example:
Néanmoins, il a continué ses études. (Nonetheless, he still continued his studies.)
Informal Expressions of “Still” in French
In more casual conversations, you can use different expressions to convey the meaning of “still” in French. Here are a few informal options:
- Toujours – This expression is used in both formal and informal contexts. For example:
Il est toujours là quand j’ai besoin de lui. (He’s still there when I need him.)
- Encore – In informal situations, “encore” can be used to mean “still” in various contexts. For example:
Je l’aime encore. (I still love him/her.)
- Tout de même – This phrase is used to convey “still” in a manner that emphasizes surprise or unexpectedness. For example:
Il a tout de même réussi son examen. (He still managed to pass his exam.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in different regions across the world, and with that comes variations in vocabulary and expressions. While the formal and informal expressions mentioned above are widely understood, it’s worth noting some regional variations:
- Quand même – In some regions, “quand même” is used in place of “tout de même” to express surprise or unexpectedness. For example:
Il a quand même réussi son examen. (He still managed to pass his exam.)
- Toujours est-il que – This phrase is commonly used in certain regions to mean “still” in the sense of “nevertheless” or “all the same.” For example:
J’ai perdu mon emploi, mais toujours est-il que je reste optimiste. (I lost my job, but still, I remain optimistic.)
Tips and Examples
Mastering the usage of “still” in French requires practice and exposure to real-life examples. Here are some tips, along with practical examples, to help you grasp the concept:
- Context Matters – Understand the context of the sentence and choose the appropriate word for “still” accordingly. For example:
Nous sommes toujours amis. (We are still friends.)
Il est toujours tard quand il se réveille. (It’s always late when he wakes up.) - Vary Sentence Structure – Experimenting with different sentence structures will enhance your proficiency. For example:
J’étudie encore, mais je suis fatigué. (I’m still studying, but I’m tired.)
Encore, il n’est pas prêt pour l’examen. (Still, he’s not ready for the exam.) - Pay Attention to Tone – The tone of your voice plays a significant role in conveying the meaning of “still.” For example:
J’ai tout de même fini mon travail ! (I still finished my work!)
J’ai encore fini mon travail. (I’ve finished my work again.) - Learn from Native Speakers – Engage in conversations with native speakers and listen to their usage of “still” to internalize the correct expressions. For example, you might hear:
Ça fait longtemps, mais je l’aime toujours. (It’s been a long time, but I still love him/her.)
Malgré tout, elle continue à sourire. (Despite everything, she still continues to smile.)
By incorporating these tips and examples into your language learning journey, you’ll develop a solid understanding of how to use expressions for “still” in French confidently.
Remember, practice makes perfect! So keep practicing, engaging with French speakers, and exploring various contexts where “still” is used. Soon, you’ll be able to express persistence, continuance, and surprise using different formal and informal expressions for “still” in French.
