raconte-moi une blague
To say "tell me a joke" in French, you use raconte-moi une blague.
The phrase is used to request that someone share a funny story or a short piece of humor. raconte-moi is the more natural choice for jokes because it implies the narrative structure of storytelling.
Which one should you use?
While you can technically use dis-moi une blague (from the verb *dire*), it is less natural than raconte-moi une blague, as the latter better captures the act of telling a story.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people, change the form to racontez-moi une blague to account for formal or plural address.
Did you know?
- French has a specific category of jokes called blagues Carambar, named after a popular peanut candy. These are very short, punchy puns printed on the inside of the candy wrappers.
- While raconter is used for jokes, the French also use it for raconter des salades, which means to tell lies. Both phrases treat the act of speaking as constructing a narrative.
- A common French response to a joke that is not funny is c'est nul, which literally means 'it is zero'. This is the standard way to tell a comedian their material is failing.
Examples in context
- Pourriez-vous me raconter une blague, s'il vous plaît ?Could you tell me a joke, please?
- Tu peux me faire marrer avec une blague ?Can you make me laugh with a joke?
- Raconte-moi une blague pour me faire rire.Tell me a joke to make me laugh.
- Je m'ennuie, raconte-moi une blague.I'm bored, tell me a joke.
- S'il te plaît, raconte-moi une blague.Please, tell me a joke.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are waiting in a long queue.
- LucasC'est vraiment long ici.It's really long here.
- ManonOui, c'est pénible.Yes, it's annoying.
- LucasRaconte-moi une blague pour passer le temps.Tell me a joke to pass the time.
- ManonD'accord, j'en ai une !Okay, I have one!
