Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say temperature in French! Whether you’re planning a trip to a French-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, being able to discuss the temperature is a fundamental aspect of daily conversation. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express temperature in French, highlighting any regional variations. We’ll also provide numerous useful tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in and make your French conversations sizzle!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Temperature in French
When conversing in formal settings or using more standard French, the following expressions are commonly used to discuss temperature:
1. “Quelle est la température?”
This question translates to “What is the temperature?” and is a straightforward way to inquire about the current temperature in a formal setting. It is commonly used when speaking with strangers, professionals, or in more official contexts.
2. “Il fait combien de degrés?”
This phrase translates to “What is the temperature?” more directly and can be used interchangeably with the first expression. However, it is slightly more casual, making it suitable for formal conversations with acquaintances or colleagues.
3. “Le thermomètre indique [temperature].”
This sentence means “The thermometer shows [temperature].” It may be used to report the temperature in a formal manner, such as in a scientific or technical context. Make sure to replace “[temperature]” with the specific figure, e.g., “Le thermomètre indique 25 degrés Celsius.”
Informal Expressions for Temperature in French
In more casual conversations among friends, family, or peers, the French language offers several ways to express temperature. Here are some common informal expressions:
1. “Il fait chaud/froid.”
These phrases translate to “It’s hot/cold” and are widely used in colloquial French to talk about the temperature. They are easy to remember and suitable for various informal situations.
2. “Il fait une chaleur/une fraîcheur terrible.”
These expressions mean “It’s terribly hot/cold.” Use them when emphasizing extreme weather conditions or when you want to convey a stronger opinion about the temperature.
3. “Il caille.”
This informal phrase is commonly used to say “It’s freezing.” It’s an excellent choice when the weather is exceptionally cold and you want to express a strong feeling of discomfort.
Temperature Units in French
Knowing the temperature units used in French is crucial when discussing temperature. The following list covers the most commonly used units in France:
- Celsius: This unit is the most prevalent in French-speaking countries. The Celsius scale is widely adopted for everyday temperature discussions. For example, “Il fait 20 degrés Celsius.”
- Fahrenheit: While Celsius is more commonly used, familiarity with Fahrenheit can still be helpful. Use Fahrenheit when referring to weather forecasts from English-language sources intended for an international audience. For instance, “Il fait 68 degrés Fahrenheit.”
- Kelvin: The Kelvin scale is most often employed in scientific or technical contexts. It’s less common to discuss everyday temperatures in Kelvin. However, it’s worth noting that 0 degrees Celsius is equivalent to 273.15 Kelvin, so occasionally you may come across discussions utilizing both units.
Regional Variations in Temperature Expressions
French is spoken in various regions around the world, and some of them have their own unique expressions related to temperature. While not exhaustive, the following examples highlight a few regional variations:
1. French Canada
In French-speaking regions of Canada, such as Quebec, you might hear expressions like “Quel temps fait-il?” (What is the weather like?) and “Il fait frette” or “Il gèle” (It’s freezing). These phrases reflect the influence of the local dialect and are widely understood in Canada.
2. France
In France, the standard French expressions mentioned earlier are commonly used. However, some informal variations might be specific to certain regions. For instance, in the south of France, people may say “Il fait une canicule” (It’s scorching hot) to emphasize extreme heat during the summer months.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have a repertoire of formal and informal expressions to discuss temperature in French, as well as an understanding of regional variations, it’s time to put it into practice! Consider these sample conversations:
Formal Conversation:
Person A: “Quelle est la température actuelle?”
Person B: “Le thermomètre indique 25 degrés Celsius.”
Informal Conversation:
Person A: “Il fait chaud aujourd’hui, non?”
Person B: “Oui, il fait une chaleur terrible! J’ai hâte d’aller à la plage.”
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing our comprehensive guide on how to say temperature in French! Now you possess the knowledge to express temperature in both formal and informal settings. Remember to adapt your choice of expressions based on the context and familiarity with the person you are conversing with. Keep practicing and exploring further nuances as you engage in French conversations. The world of French awaits you, so go out and make the most of it! Bonne chance!
