Bonjour! So, you’re interested in learning how to say “subtitles” in French? Whether you are a movie enthusiast, a language learner, or simply curious, this guide will provide you with various ways to express the term “subtitles” in French, including both formal and informal variations. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Subtitles
If you find yourself in a formal setting where you need to discuss subtitles, it is essential to use proper expressions. Here are a few formal ways to say “subtitles” in French:
- Sous-titres – This is the most common and widely-used term for subtitles in French. It is pronounced as [soo-tee-tr]. For example, “Les films français ont souvent des sous-titres en anglais” (French films often have English subtitles).
- Didascalies – Although less common, “didascalies” refers to captions or subtitles in the context of theater or live performances. It is pronounced as [dee-da-ska-lee]. For example, “Le spectacle était en français, mais les didascalies étaient traduites en anglais” (The show was in French, but the subtitles were translated into English).
Informal Expressions for Subtitles
In casual conversations or when dealing with friends, you may prefer using less formal expressions. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “subtitles” in French:
- Sous-titres – Yes, the same term used in formal settings can also be used in informal contexts. It’s versatile! Pronounce it as [soo-tee-tr].
- Sousous – This playful and shortened version of “sous-titres” is sometimes used among friends or in a casual environment. It is pronounced as [soo-soo]. For instance, “On regarde un film en anglais avec des sousous” (We’re watching an English movie with subtitles).
Common Phrases and Examples
Now that you know how to say “subtitles” in both formal and informal situations, let’s explore some common phrases and provide you with additional examples:
1. Movie Subtitles
If you need to specify that you are referring to subtitles in a movie context:
“Je préfère regarder des films avec des sous-titres.”
(I prefer watching movies with subtitles.)
“Sous-titres de film” or “sousous de film” (informal) can be used interchangeably when discussing movie subtitles.
2. Turn on/Off the Subtitles
When you want to express turning on or off subtitles:
“Pouvez-vous activer/désactiver les sous-titres, s’il vous plaît?”
(Can you turn on/off the subtitles, please?)
“Activer” means to turn on, while “désactiver” means to turn off. “Sous-titres” can be replaced by “sousous” in a more informal setting.
3. Subtitles in Your Language
To emphasize the language of the subtitles:
“Je préfère les films avec des sous-titres en français.”
(I prefer movies with subtitles in French.)
You can replace “en français” with any language you desire.
Conclusion
Félicitations! You’ve successfully learned how to say “subtitles” in French. Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal setting, you can confidently express your need for subtitles using the appropriate terms. Remember, “sous-titres” is the most commonly used expression, but feel free to use “didascalies” in theater-related contexts. Now, next time you watch a French movie, you’ll be able to follow along with ease. Bonne chance!
